Click here for a taste of Seychelles Music

The people of the Seychelles, the Seychellois(e) are mainly of African, British and French ancestry, but there are also evidence of Indian, Arab and Chinese ancestry. The language spoken is creole French and English. The Seychelles Creole is a mixture of Bantu [from East Africa] and French with traces of English and other native African languages.

The Creole culture is strongly preserved, through language, dance and food

Music and Dances of the Seychelles

Traditionally, Seychelles adapted most of the cultures from Asia, Africa and Europe.  Therefore, the cuisine, music and dances bare no exceptions.  The dances can be categorised into two main streams.  Moutya and Sega are of African and Madagascan origin. Others are from  more French background known as Kanmtole with its components of Vals, Polka, Berlin and kontredans.  The bands for such dances would be made up of instruments such as violin, triangle, guitar, drums, banjo, accordion and maybe extra percussions.  And of course replaced by modern instruments and synthesisers. 

The Moutya is less apparent nowadays even though modern artists are trying to re-release Moutya CDs. Moutya was believed to come from slavery times and it was an opportunity for fellow slaves to voice out.  Priests and officials went through a lot to try and stamp it out.  The same Moutya is also experienced in Mauritius.  Despite its sexual overtone, moutya dancers rarely touch one another.  The Moutya scene will have drummers, singers, on-lookers and dancers.  The chants were normally composed on the spot.  One will call out and the choir will respond and it goes on and on. If safety permitted, there would be a bond fire as well and a bucket of the traditional drinks; Baka and Kalou.  Baka is fermented vegetables or fruits with sugar and Kalou is a form of sap from the coconut tree.

Listen to samples of Seychelles music

Kamtole
Kotis
Mars
Moutya
Waves
Kontredans
valse