Celebrating the global recognition of ‘moutya’ |18 December 2021

• ‘December 15 will remain an historic date,’ says President Ramkalawan

December 15 will from now on remain an important date in our history, especially in terms of the country’s cultural manifestations, where it will be engraved on the artistic calendar through the programmes of the newly set-up Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts.

President Wavel Ramkalawan made the statement yesterday during a special ceremony to celebrate the inscription of moutya on the representative list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The ceremony, held at the National Museum of History in Victoria, was attended by Vice-President Ahmed Afif; cabinet ministers; secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts David Andre, who is also the Mayor of Victoria, among other government officials.

President Ramkalawan thanked all those who worked hard in the process for the international recognition of moutya.

He added that he is also proud to bring moutya to the very place where governors in the colonial era signed the ordinance to restrict the practice of moutya.

From now on, he said, everyone who will visit State House will see the moutya drum on display since it is a remembrance of our cultural heritage.

“The third heritage after Aldabra and Vallée de Mai that we share with the world,” added President Ramkalawan, who also noted that as of now, moutya is not only for us, but for the whole of humanity.

Mr Andre explained that moutya and its accomplishment as musical tune has the power to bring people together, and is the perfect element to make us think and unite as a nation, despite all our differences.

All the guests, along with representatives of active local moutya groups and the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts (NCPA) were presented with moutya drums, before those present had the chance to enjoy some performances by several moutya groups.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the ceremony yesterday at the National Museum of History.

Roland Duval