Republic of Mauritius- Cultural Heritage ‘Kaya, ant sime lamizer ek sime lalimier’ book launch

Joseph Réginald Topize, born on 10 August 1960 and professionally known by his stage name Kaya, was a Mauritian musician and the creator of seggae.  Seggae is a fusion of Mauritian sega and reggae, two popular music genres in Mauritius.

The book launching ceremony was held on the date Kaya was born to demonstrate that the musician still lives in the memory and heart of every Mauritian. The idea of releasing a book which portrays the musical path of Kaya has emanated one and half years back with the assistance of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage. The aim was to give a national dimension to the commemoration of the death of the Mauritian musician.

In his address, Minister Teeluck, while paying tribute to the late Kaya, also stated that the book launching bears testimony to the musical path of the Mauritian artist.  Kaya, he recalled, has through his songs conveyed several messages of peace, love, courage and harmony. The lyrics of the songs and music composed by Kaya will remain forever engraved in the memory and heart of every Mauritian, he added.

It is recalled that the CSU has been called upon to organise an event to reflect on the cultural heritage that Kaya has left behind since he passed away on 21^st February 1999. Thus, this year, in the context of the International Mother Language Day marked on 21^st February, a round table was held at the Municipality of Port-Louis to pay tribute to Kaya and to commemorate his death anniversary.