Artist profile - Vurna Payet Mondon: “Do it right, or don’t do it at all!” |11 January 2018

Every week the Entertainment page will try to bring you a short profile on a Seychellois artist, be it in the performing, visual or other forms of art.

In our first profile for 2018, readers will learn more about the talented singer, comedian and mother Vurna Payet Mondon AKA Gangster Grandma.

She has made a name for herself in the local entertainment industry, and famous for songs such as Dear Santa, Jonas among others.

She recently played Pyerlin in the famous play Bolot Feray, which was a total success among the community.

Q: When did you start your career as an entertainer?

A: I first stepped on a stage to perform at the age of nine. I was still in primary five. This year in October, I will be celebrating 20 years as a comedian/entertainer.

Q: since you started your career in the entertainment industry, can you describe your adventure?

A: Wow. It's been an amazingly rewarding ride. I have developed a very strong character both on stage and off stage. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside various professionals both locally and internationally. I must say that I keep surprising myself in every performance I stage. I am always looking forward to “ME".

Today I see myself not only doing comedy but emceeing at private and national events, doing TV presenting and advertising etc…I am also a proud entrepreneur with my own entertainment business and I must say this is more than self-satisfaction.

Q:  What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

A: Do it right, or don’t do it at all!                                                                                                 

Q: How do you overcome negative comments from people?      

A: People have their right of opinions and as an artist, I understand this perfectly. However, I will never go off track in an attempt to try and please everyone because the only person I can be is ME.

Q: Did you find it challenging to play Pyerlin in Bolot Feray?

A: Not at all. Getting into a character is second nature to me and all I really needed was a little push from my director towards what he really wanted in that character.

Q:  Who inspired you to go into the entertainment business?

A: As an only child, I grew up with two adorable parents who spared their time watching me doing little performances at home almost every day. Most of the performances were mimicking my lovely grandmothers who were full of humour. 

My first performance as the old lady was a hit and I guess ever since I fell in love with it and never looked back.

Q: So, what other hidden talents do you have?

A:.Erm…..I guess I’ve showcased my talents across various areas of the show biz and if there is any hidden then I’m yet to find out.

Q: Do you think Seychelles artists can match up to other international artists?

A: Not under our current environment and support. It is very challenging and almost impossible for an artist to grow in Seychelles. Productions come at a great cost and the returns are very low.

I must say that the only thing that keeps an artist going is his or her own will power and love towards what he or she does. However, given the right exposure, I believe that our artists can do as well as international artists.

Q: How will you describe our young local comedians?

A: They are very promising; however they do need a lot of support to keep on going as under most circumstances, they stop after a while. Comedy is a very challenging art form for a small country like Seychelles, taking into consideration our mindset here; comedians face a lot of bullying especially at the start of their career. I guess that would be one of the many reasons why very few females are interested in that domain.

Q: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an entertainer? 

A: The gangster grandma character! I guess this character always have the right words at the right time in the right tone. She is electrifying!

Q: What do we expect from Vurna in the future?

A: I have so many projects in the pipeline and now that I’m fully committed in entertainment, I am focused on personal growth and fans satisfaction.

Q: Any final thought?

A: I would like to thank my past and future producers and directors, my friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry for their continuous collaboration and support.

A message to all my fans  who have been there throughout: I know what I do brings happiness to your lives; but what you guys give me back brings infinite joy to my heart. I love you all!

Last but not least, I am grateful to my wonderful family and friends. Without their support, I wouldn’t have sailed this far.

Compiled by U.J.