Five years have elapsed since the death of Kaya in prison in circumstances that have to-date never been cleared. However, his memory lives on with his friend Menwar who keeps the the flame alight. This weekend an all-night concert was held in homage to the King of seggae.

Kaya was the pioneer of seggae, a mixture of reggae from Jamaica and the national sega of Mauritius. In 1990, Kaya?s first album Nou la mizik came out. Many others such as Seggaeman and Ersatz of Bob Marley followed. His style was also shared by other artists such as Berger Agathe (who also died in 1999, during riots following Kaya?s death).

Menwar, who performed in last Saturday?s concert in Olivia Bel Air, was impressed by the number of people present at the ?big music event.? ?Everyone is still searching for the light in certain police cases?? he says, refering to one of Kaya?s songs Simé Lalimier.

Menwar and Kaya were close friends. They even went to Rodrigues together to promote their music. Menwar?s speciality is sagaï. His music is very complex and he says himself that it?s the interpretation of each individual which is different, not the music. ?My influences are my feelings. Music is creating an atmosphere from feelings??

Menwar is a singer but he has also invented most interesting instruments from everyday objects, which he plays. This multi-faceted artist, who started composing at the age of 14, is very concerned about the future of local musicians : ?Being a musician still doesn?t give an artist a living wage, though the situation has improved. The person must understand how to develop his career so that he can make a living out of it.?