David André, Secretary General of the Seychelles Institute of Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, is leading initiatives to promote Seychelles’ cultural heritage globally. His efforts include the international debut of Moutya at the Angel Fields Festival in Liverpool in 2025, the participation of Seychellois artists at the Venice Biennale, and the revitalisation of critical cultural infrastructure such as the National Library. André’s vision blends preserving traditional arts with modern digital platforms, ensuring Seychelles’ culture resonates locally and internationally.
Since taking on the role of Secretary General of the Seychelles Institute of Culture, Heritage, and the Arts in 2021, David André has worked tirelessly to strengthen Seychelles’ cultural landscape, ensuring that its rich heritage is preserved while positioning it on the global stage. In a recent interview with Kreol Magazine, André shared exciting updates about his ongoing projects and the international reach of Seychelles’ cultural heritage.
Bringing Moutya to the World: A New Era for Seychelles’ Traditional Arts
One of the most significant initiatives under André’s leadership has been the international promotion of Moutya, the traditional dance and music form deeply rooted in the Creole culture of Seychelles. In 2021, Moutya was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, marking a significant milestone for the islands. André’s commitment to showcasing Moutya on global platforms is more than a cultural mission—it’s a national pride.
A key event in this endeavour was his visit to the UK in June 2024, where he initiated plans for Moutya to be performed at the Angel Fields Festival in Liverpool in March 2025. The festival, organised by Liverpool Hope University, will mark the first time Moutya is showcased at an international cultural event of this magnitude. This visit, facilitated by Georgina Dhillon, editor and publisher of Kreol Magazine, sets the stage for Seychelles’ cultural heritage to be recognised worldwide.
In the interview, André highlighted the importance of Moutya’s international debut, saying:
“We have plans to take it even further in Europe, and hopefully, we can take it in Liverpool next year and eventually to Louisiana in the States. We want to promote and showcase what we’ve got regarding Moutya and Seychelles’ music. It is essential to have visibility.”
André’s passion for promoting Moutya is part of his broader vision for creating global cultural connections. “Culture connects people, not only amongst ourselves in Seychelles but also with the rest of the world,” he remarked.
Empowering Local Artists on the Global Stage
In addition to promoting traditional arts, André has been instrumental in elevating the profiles of Seychellois artists internationally. His leadership led to the participation of four Seychellois artists— Jude Ally, Ryan Chetty, Danielle Freakley and Juliette Zelime (aka Jadez)—at the prestigious Venice Biennale, one of the most renowned art exhibitions in the world. These artists’ inclusion in such a high-profile event is a testament to André’s belief in the power of Seychelles’ creative industries and the global relevance of its artistic talent.
André expressed immense pride in the international recognition these artists received:
“We made sure that they had the chance to go there and participate. The Venice Biennale is of very high standards in the art world, and having Seychellois artists represented there is important.”
The Revival of Cultural Infrastructure and Digital Innovation
On the domestic front, André has overseen the revitalisation of crucial cultural infrastructure, most notably the reopening of the Seychelles National Library. The library closed for five years due to structural issues. Still, it has now been refurbished with modern amenities, including IT sections, to facilitate digital learning and access to global resources.
“The country needs to have a national library, and I am thrilled that we’ve been able to get it back operational and beautiful. It is now a space for children and the population to come and make good use of,” André explained.
In line with his vision of integrating technology with culture, André has also launched Creole Encounters, a digital platform designed to inform visitors about cultural events and activities across the islands. This initiative bridges the gap between tourism and cultural immersion, allowing visitors to experience more than just Seychelles’s beaches and natural beauty.
“People are looking for cultural activities, not only the scenery but also to know more about the Seychellois people and our culture. This platform will allow them to know what is happening and participate in different cultural events,” André noted.
Preserving the Creole Language and Cultural Identity
A milestone achievement during André’s tenure has been the publication of the first-ever Creole dictionary. This significant step in preserving and promoting the Creole language reflects André’s commitment to safeguarding Seychelles’ linguistic heritage. The dictionary is an essential educational tool and a symbol of national pride.
“We boast about the Creole language and our Creole identity, and I am very proud to say that we have finally published a concise Creole dictionary,” André said.
Festival Kreol 2025: A Global Celebration of Creole Identity
Looking ahead, André is spearheading plans for the 40th edition of Festival Kreol, which will take place in October 2025. This festival, which celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of Creole culture, will be an international event welcoming participants from across the globe.
“Festival Kreol 2025 is going to be a big event for Seychelles, where we will show the world what we have achieved as a Creole nation in all aspects—arts, music, and culture. We are inviting people from different parts of the world to join us, showcasing that Creole belongs to everyone,” André enthusiastically shared.
He sees the upcoming festival as an opportunity for Seychelles to further cement its role as a cultural hub, with the festival embodying the spirit of global unity through shared heritage.
“The true essence of Creole is about bringing people together, whether you are from Europe, Asia, or Africa, to participate in artistic and cultural activities. This festival will showcase that Creole culture is something the entire world can celebrate,” André added.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Innovation
As David André continues to build on his ambitious vision for Seychelles, his work is marked by a deep respect for the country’s cultural heritage and a progressive approach to ensuring its relevance in the modern world. From the revival of traditional arts like Moutya to empowering local artists on international stages and leveraging digital platforms for cultural outreach, André ensures that Seychelles not only preserves its rich history but shares it with the world.
With initiatives like the international performances of Moutya, participation in the Venice Biennale, and the upcoming 40th Festival Kreol, it’s clear that André is positioning Seychelles as a leader in the global cultural arena. His work serves as a reminder of the power of culture to unite, educate, and inspire across borders.
