Culture department teams up with Seylingo for ‘moutya’ themed t-shirt |26 May 2021

The t-shirts are for both males and females (Photo: Jude Morel)

The department of culture and local fashion brand Seylingo have over recent months teamed up to bring to the market a range of products around the ‘moutya’ theme, starting off with a t-shirt.

The polo t-shirt, available in black, white and grey and for both males and females was launched yesterday at the National History Museum shop, the only outlet where it is presently available for sale at R402.50 apiece.

Featuring the traditional ‘moutya’ dance motifs, the product is part of the department’s continuous efforts to have the ‘moutya’ dance officially recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

With regard to the collaboration, Seylingo’s primary role is to design the final products, as well as to market the products, while the department of culture is responsible for distribution of the products.

According to director general for culture Julienne Barra, the project is a means by which to promote ‘moutya’, with the aim of preserving such an important cultural element.

“As the founder of Seylingo is a youth, we thought of approaching him for the collaboration, so he can play his part as a youth to promote ‘moutya’. In designing the product, we provided him with pictures of ‘moutya’ drummers and dancers, which he used as the motifs printed all over the t-shirt. We want people to live ‘moutya’ and to wear the t-shirt,” Ms Barra noted.

Founder of the Seylingo company, Ronny Julius, said more pieces are expected to be added to the collection in near future, all of which will be available to the local market, as well as to visitors.

“We wanted a design that represents the Creole spirit. We all know that the ‘moutya’ is something ancient, and it is losing its value, so the design was supposed to represent the tradition while at the same time still retaining that modern aspect to enable everyone to be able to buy into it,” Mr Julius added.

Yesterday’s ceremony was organised to coincide with Africa Day.