Des honoured and celebrated in Country & Western Show |30 January 2023
Eyes another concert in April
It was in front of a packed International Conference Centre (ICCS) on Saturday evening that renowned local singer Des (Despilly Williams) celebrated his 64-year career in the music industry, with a country and western show.
The two-and-a-half hour show kicked off just before 8pm with the youngest performer of the evening, 10-year-old Jade ‘Riri’ Larue, singing her version of ‘Love without End’, much to the delight of the audience.
Riri, whose talent included guitar playing, told Seychelles NATION she was proud to have been chosen to open such a prestigious show and to perform alongside great local and international artists.
The young star, who had won the hearts of the fans, then made way for the man of the hour, Des, accompanied by a local band put together especially for the evening. Des has put together his favourite repertoire of country and western tunes, which included his version of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’, and Elvis Presley’s ‘There Goes My Everything’, among others.
Saturday’s show was to honour the 78-year-old artist, who has made a name for himself with his local tunes namely the ‘sega’ but who is also known as one of the most popular country and western singers in Seychelles.
The show, sponsored by local company SF Group specialising in hybrid car sale, owned by fellow musician and country and western fan, Walter Larue, was also to celebrate Des’ musical career and show appreciation for his great contribution to the local music industry.
It was Vice-President Ahmed Afif who bestowed the highest honour on Des and presented him with a trophy sponsored by SF Group.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Des said he felt privileged to be receiving this token of appreciation and thanked Mr Larue for pushing him to ensure the concert takes place.
“He has been a true fan and believer since the beginning and a friend who really pushed to make this show a reality, so I am grateful. I am so happy to be recognised for what I have done in the music industry, and I thank the fans who believe and appreciate my music and who turned up in droves tonight to dance and sing along with me,” he said.
Des, who said he was extremely satisfied with how the event turned out, also praised and thanked the musicians who included the likes of Philippe Toussaint, Nabby Jules and Mervin Nibourette.
“Everything went well from the sound, lights, the musicians’ performance and all the singers. So I thank all those behind the show especially Basil Bouchereau who coordinated everything to ensure it went well this evening, and of course our sponsor, Mr Larue,” said Des.
Saturday’s show also saw the participation of South Africa’s 50-year-old country and western singer, Juanita Du Plessis, who has a record sale total of over 3 million under her belt, performing alongside her children, son Ruan and daughter Franja. Their trip to Seychelles had been sponsored by Eden Island. The award-winning singer and songwriter dazzled the audience with some of her original songs and her versions of some popular country and western beats from The Pussycats, Elvis Presley, Gene Rockwell, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Juanita and her children brought the audience to their feet with over a dozen performances.
The show, hosted by Nigel Henrie as MC, also saw the participation of David Andre with his tune ‘Driftwood’, France Hoareau’s version of ‘Tougher than the rest’, new upcoming female artist, Sophie Morgan with Shania Twain’s ‘Whose bed has your boots been under’, and Joel Gonthier’s interpretation of Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Gambler’ and Elvis Presley’s ‘There Goes My Everything’. There was also a surprise performance by Vice-President Ahmed Afif, singing Kenny Rogers’ popular number, ‘Lucille’.
The show’s main sponsor, Walter Larue, who was also among the singers and musicians, told Seychelles NATION that “everything was superb” and thanked the audience for turning up and supporting all the musicians and artists.
“We appreciate them, it was a fantastic crowd,” he said.
Mr Larue, who said he had a chance to mingle with the crowd after the show, said they were already asking for a second concert, which he would definitely consider.
As for the fans of country and western music, the concert was out of this world. For Dorohty Payet, who was observed dancing and singing along, she was glad she turned up.
“My husband and I always listen to this type of music and when we heard there was going to be a show, we hurried and bought our tickets so as not to miss it. I can say that we are not disappointed as everything was great tonight,” she told Seychelles NATION.
For Neville Barallon who is one of Des’ fans, “it was worth it” adding that “everyone gave their best from singers to musicians”.
“Exceptional” was the word used by Ivana Canaya to describe the show. The fan added she enjoyed songs performed by both locals and international singers.
Cyril Lautee also said he appreciated everything, from the quality of sound and lights, to the performers by both locals and international singers. He had a special mention for the local musicians.
“Our local musicians did impress me, we do have quality players. Philippe (Toussaint) is in a league of his own,” he added.
Saturday’s ticket also included a special lottery for a jeep worth nearly R1 million as star prize, sponsored by Providence-based SF Hybrid Motors, and a R75,000 scooter as the runner-up prize. However, the draw was postponed as the organisers stated it wanted to give more people a chance to purchase the tickets.
Meanwhile following Saturday’s impressive performance, Des told Seychelles NATION he was already in discussion with Eden Island to have another country and western show at their premises, in April this year, and possibly one for the Praslin fans later this year.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the show.
Patsy Canaya
Photos by Louis Toussaint
