World Music Day 2004

Musicians go all-out in exhibition

Visitors viewing the exhibits on display after the official opening of the exhibition on Monday

Celebrations for World Music Day on Monday June 21 took a different turn compared to previous years, when live bands used to play at selected spots in town.

This year organisers launched an exhibition entitled "Who's Who in the Seychelles Music Industry", an initiative of the local association of musicians, La Musique sans Frontière, in collaboration with the National Arts Council (Nac).

The exhibition, held in the Sculpture Garden outside Nac’s Maison Des Art, featured photographs, written texts and biographies of a host of local artists, in addition to videos.

According to La Musique sans Frontière chairman Patrick Victor, the exhibition was an excuse for local musicians to get together and commemorate their day.

Present at the launching of the exhibition were Minister for Local Government, Sports and Culture Sylvette Pool, principal secretary for sports and culture Patrick Nanty and Nac managing director Emmanuel D'Offay, who officially opened the exhibition.

In his address to musicians and music lovers in attendance, Mr D’Offay launched a special appeal to all musicians to join forces together to raise the profile of their profession rather than being divided and back-stabbing each other.

"Today is an opportunity for you Seychellois musicians to analyse where you are in the music industry and how far you want to go," said Mr D'Offay.

He added that this is especially vital now that the music industry is being infiltrated by new issues like piracy, increased difficulty venturing onto the international scene and financial constraints.

"Musicians should take advantage of the fact that there is an association that is looking out for their well-being and is willing to support them," said Mr D'Offay.

As the chairman and one of the organisers behind the exhibition, Mr Victor said he was satisfied with the response from musicians and that so far many people had showed an interest in the exhibits.

"We plan to keep the exhibition going until (today) and if need be we will consider moving it to the National Library lobby in order to fully fulfil its aim of promoting musicians and artists, as well as to give them as much information as possible on people in the local music scene," said Mr Victor.

Whilst viewers cruised through the exhibits, musicians such as Joseph Sinon, Charles Morel, more popularly known as Charlie, and Katty Melanie entertained those present with various performances.

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