A Vibrant Night of Sega Celebrating Alain Ramanisum

Last night I went to my first Sega concert in Mauritius and I was blown away by the good vibes and passionate dancing. The concert based at J & J auditorium in Phoenix, was packed with passionate Sega fans, swaying and clapping the night away. Although it was a seated concert, the crowd soon stood and moved their hips well into the balmy Mauritius night.

Growing up in the UK the word “Sega’ meant the Sega Mega Drive console and Sonic the Hedgehog, but to Mauritians the word ‘Sega’  has a different meaning. While to most outsiders it may seem like a bit of fun, Sega music is actually has deep roots in Mauritius’ dark colonial past. Much like the Blues in America, Sega is a protest against slavery and the inhumane conditions they were forced to live in. Sega dancers plant and drag their feet on the ground to symbolise the chaining of their ancestors feet. 

The concert was a photographers’ dream with the vibrant colours of the dresses worn by the Sega Dancers, who twirled all night long. The singers held the audience in the palm of their hands as they sung Sega in the local Creole language. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Sega sounds like, but I would describe it as a fusion of African and European folk music. With a heavy lean towards African styles, it certainly deserves it place in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The night was a celebration of Alain’s 30 years in Mauritian Music. Featuring musicians such as his wife Laura Beg, Bruno Mooken, Caroline Jodhun, La Nikita, Jason Lejuste, Julien Verloppe, Warren Permal, Telex, Sega Nu Zanset, Basco Echos Des Zil, Big, Jah Mike, Valo, Kenny Conscious, Le Son Cassiya Roots