Listen:
Lotis
Ras Dimunn
Sizann

Press from the record label:
Menwar is today the most innovative ambassador of Sega music from Mauritius Island. This music is also played in the other south-west Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, Reunion and Rodrigues. Menwar’s music can be described as traditional Mauritian Sega that goes back deep to its African roots with a groovy blend. Menwar started his career more than 30 years ago and is today one of the main artists of Mauritius. Known for his creativity as a great percussionist, he also set up a school where he taught his own method of playing the “ravanne”, the local percussion and main instrument of Sega music. He also plays some instruments of his own invention, such as the “Kanenba” using sugar cane flowers or “Pistass” using peanuts.

After many different approaches, he has since 3 years now come up with a new concept of Sega music with his group Sagaï. The public discovered with pleasure this unique style of Sega in fabulous concerts in Mauritius. They also toured in the Indian Ocean. Sagaï did the opening of Johnny Clegg’s concert at Sakifo Musik Festival in Reunion Island. Their concert at the Awesome Africa festival in South Africa was a great success. Menwar’s lyrics express his concern for the hardship endured by the Mauritians of African origin. Other songs such as “Lotis” or “Baz Militèr” relate of the true tragedy of the creole inhabitants from the Chagos islands. Great Britain granted independence to Mauritius in 1968 but kept the Chagos which was handed over to the U.S. The islanders were brutally kicked out from their paradise to make way for an american military base. It is from Diego Garcia, the main island of the Chagos, that U.S. bombers took off to attack Irak. It’s nearly 40 years now that the Chagossians live in exile in poor conditions on Mauritius and the Seychelles.

On stage, 5 polyvalent percussionists using Indian Ocean and African instruments are accompanied by an electric and a bass guitar that give a powerful groove to Menwar’s voice. Menwar blends Sega’s island beat with blues, funk and African rhythm to give a unique Creole music experience. Menwar has at last recorded his unique and special Sega blend in studio. After such a long career with five albums, he has now found the right mixture. This is his most accomplished recording reflecting his creativity, poetry and constant search for new sounds in Sega music.