Festivals and concerts have been happening every weekend for a bit over a month now. Over two days last weekend, festival goers enjoyed the local and international lineup at the All Waves Festival at the Côte D'Or Complex. The headliners were the Nigerian singers Ckay and Oxlade, on Saturday and Kalash and Willy William, two French singers, were on stage the next day. The lineup included other international artists like Phyllisia Ross, Stony, Blacko, DJ's Masterdream, Phil and Tbilz, Malaika Salatis Dance Group and Beba Storm. Local artists were represented by Blakkayo, Big Frankii, Jasmine Toulouse or the group Joker Kartel.
The festival was a huge gamble for the organizers and it was an astounding success. You could tell the crowd had very much missed this type of live music event. So much so that the organizers have been announcing a few surprises. Mauritius, pre-COVID, had positioned itself as a hub for culture by holding concerts with international artists and the All Waves Festival certainly consolidated the island's regional appeal as a cultural destination.
If you're a music lover, get ready because the next few months are going to be very busy. With summer and the holiday season ahead of us, a few music festivals have already been announced and there will surely be a few more on the agenda down the line. On October 2, Mauritius will welcome the Ivorian reggae singer Tiken Jah Fakoly, who remain an icon across generations, who will headline at the Risin'up South festival in the south, in Beau Vallon. Local artists, including the OSB Crew, The Prophecy, Oeson and Justice Lecoq will perform as opening act. An appointment not to be missed for reggae fans.
Busy October
The day before, on Saturday, October 1st, the MASH UP DI PLACE X MMA AWARDS will take place at the Gold Coast Complex. Headliners include Niko, Lady Style and zouk love singer Fanny J. Local artists will be on stage that night.
Festivals beyond the scope of music will also take place this summer. Indeed, the Festival de la Pêche (Fishing festival) will take place during the weekend of October 1st and 2nd at the Caudan Waterfront. This exhibition/sale will bring together retailers of fishing equipment and accessories for the amateur fishermen.
The month of October will also be busy. The Moris Music Expo will welcome artists from South Africa, Senegal, India, Reunion, Rodrigues and Mauritius on the stage of N'Joy in Grand-Baie during three days, Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. An opportunity to rediscover established singers or to discover new talents.
On October 22, the popular La Isla festival returns after a two-year absence at the mythical Château de Labourdonnais. The Summer Festival will take place on October 29 at the Jardin de Mée in Gros Cailloux. The singers Menwar, Kavi Joganah, Zulu ek so tribu and the Grup Latanier will be on stage for a show not to be missed.
During the month of October, you can also enjoy the different OKTOBERFEST events with your family. Various events and activities will be on for both adults and children. In addition, the Biggest Disco of the Indian Ocean - 80s 90s 00s (2nd edition) will take place on October 1st at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène. An evening dedicated to the music of the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
