Heading for the stars
Ten promising performers are currently on a thrilling adventure with seven of their elders who have taken on the role of coach for them, under the aegis of the Ritmik Akademi. They help them move forward in their creation and reveal their full potential… Dominique Bellier
Conceived by Manu Desroches and Jean-Christophe Jeannine, Ritmik Akademi currently brings together ten new artists from the music industry, with sevenprofessionals toadvise and encourage them to always put their work back on the workbench: Manu Desroches for creativity and guitar, Boyana Joseph for voice work, AnneGa for choices and the artist’s career path, Denis Essoo for technique, Jalill Auckbaraullee for the studio…
The stage is demanding, especially when it comes to singing and music, where the slightest false note can easily scratch the eardrums. It requires continuous practice and improvement. That’s why these supervised sessions are so valuable.
Former hotel manager Jean-Christophe Jeannine has brought MJ Développement on board as a sponsor of the project. So he makes it a point of honor to create the ideal conditions for his protégés: transport from the gate to the Creative park, guaranteeing everyone’s presence and punctuality; unlimited food and drink throughout the sessions. This demands a great deal of energy and concentration.
With no competitive spirit, Ritmik Akademi encourages sharing and teamwork. Most of the beneficiaries were spotted by Manu Desroches at Budding Starsanother at Konpoz to lamizik. One of them impressed us with his unshakeable will to always surpass himself.
In March 2025, they will present MJ Développement ‘s 10th anniversary show in Mauritius, on the theme of young emerging music… Each will receive professional equipment, and recording opportunities abroad may be on the horizon.
After the violence…
Last month, Kinsley David laid the foundation stone for the Fearless Childhood, testifying about his childhood marked by the violence from and sharing the long reflections this experience brought to his mind. Galimatias illustrates the inner chaos of a child confronted with the inexcusable, but above all it points the way to liberation and delivers a magnificent message of hope. Dominique Bellier
Of course, Galimatias offers a poignant account of the violence and aggression of a father and husband, and above all the impact it had on the child, and then the adult he became. Don’t look for melodrama or an exploration of the dark side of the soul. Kinsley David doesn’t judge, and he has the honesty to recount the happy moments of this Mahébourg family.
The author has an insatiable taste for reading and writing, which probably saved him from depression and the traumas of an abused childhood. In this text, he demonstrates an interesting ability to describe feelings, to bring to life the child he once was, to give voice to his inner being and to recreate the flow of everyday life. It helps us to recognize the emotional and psychic impact of violence in all its dimensions, and to meditate on the nature of the bonds we forge with others.
Cover illustration by Pascal Lagesse, Galimatias is published by Leko in Mauritius and Ars Terres créoles in Réunion. It will be distributed on the sister island. A portion of sales will go to two associations involved in the fight against domestic violence: Dis-Moi and Passerelles. This publication is part of the “Enfance sans peur” campaign, orchestrated by Dis-Moi, which will be supported by the office of the Ombudsperson for children.
Workshop 24 at Imaaya
Artist Neermala Luckeenarain has opened up her printmaking studio to eight other Mauritian artists, less familiar with the techniques of art printing and reproduction than herself, but very capable of conceiving and producing works to this end, under her benevolent care.
The best works from her Curepipian studio, Atelier 24, are on show at Galerie Imaaya, from November 14 to December 5 (10.30am to 4pm – closed on Mondays). A short film by Kaviraj Bhunjun will recount the experience, and five portfolios featuring a selection of work by the 9 participants will be donated to various institutions, including the National Art Gallery and the J. J. School of Arts Mumbai.
Burin, intaglio, silkscreen, wood, linoleum or rubber dies – a wide range of techniques were used. In addition to Neermala, the participants are: Vishal Auckel, Deepa Bahadoor, Malini Callimootoo, Ismet Ganti, Arvin Ombika, Mala Ramyead, Veemanda Seeneevassen and Rishi Seeruttun.
Wild with Samudra!
Until December 8, the Caudan Arts Centre is hosting some 250 works by artists of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned professionals, as part of the second annual Samudra Art Prize.
Plastic creativity was expressed this time on “the flora and fauna of our islands, and the communities that depend on them”. The jurors chose from 796 works in all media and techniques, from painting to interactive creations, sculpture, crafts, mosaics, photography, video and street art… The exhibition, which is open to all, occupies all the spaces at the CAC and can be viewed at samudraartprize.com/artworks.
Eleven prizes will be awarded on November 12, at a ceremony reserved for the many participants. And four conferences are planned: on November 16 on recycling, on December 7 on nature in Mauritian art, and two others on the law of nature and on a quiet revolution…
