Sega, the Sound of Mauritius.

Sega, the Sound of Mauritius. (Nu Ravann 2018) CNN traces Sega root on ‘Inside Africa’ CNN International examines the traditions of Sega music and how a genre which is so engrained into the country’s identity is being reinvented for a new generation. Known as ‘the Blues of the Indian Ocean’, CNN looks at how Sega is used to express the diversity of Mauritius and reflect the influence of African, Indian, Chinese and French cultures found on the island. Inside Africa speaks to Percy Yiptong, who explains what the musical style symbolises for Mauritians: “I think for every Mauritian as a national music we’re born into it. We can be of African origin, Chinese, Indian or European origin. Sega is our rhythm… Sega unites all Mauritians. It is the music that unites all religion and communities.” The sound of Sega is normally what greets visitors to the island, with the historically handcrafted instruments offering a unique Mauritian sound and experience whilst also preserving the memories of Mauritius’ past, which led to the creation of the musical style. CNN notes how the traditions of Sega began during a period where slaves were brought to work on the island in the 17th century, using the music as a way to liberate their minds and spirits. Inside Africa speaks to the singer Linzy, a modern-day performer of Sega, who outlines how the slaves’ experience developed the sound of the genre to its current form: “What the slaves were expressing through music was a lot of pain. It...