Mauritius is known for its vibrant cultural mix and rich musical heritage, which has given rise to several famous bands that have made a lasting impact at home and abroad. Let us take a look at some of our local bands who touched the hearts of many with their stirring music.
Cassiya
Formed in 1992, Cassiya rose to fame in the mid-1990s and made a big impact not just in Mauritius but also influenced sega musicians in Reunion Island. Even after disbanding in 2003, their music still strikes a chord with many Mauritians, remaining a cherished part of the island’s music scene. Their talent is evident as some of their singles are still covered by modern vocalists today.
Cassiya had a talented lineup including Alain La Fleur, Désiré François, Gérard Louis, Bruno François, Damien Elisa, Alain Ramanisum, Silvio Ravina, Eddy Armel, Jallil Auckbaraullee, and Dominique Isidore. Early on, Alain Ramanisum and Gérard Louis left to pursue successful solo careers.
After the breakup, Désiré François carried on the Cassiya legacy with Cassiya Neuf, joined by original members like Alain Lafleur and Bruno François. Together, they have released several albums exploring themes of patriotism, cruelty, and Africanacity.
OSB (Otentik Street Brothers)
OSB, initially formed by Bruno Raya, his brother Kenny, and Jérôme Chamtyoo, debuted in 1994 with “Ragga Kreol.” The album, featuring 10 tracks sung by Bruno Raya and Kenny, marked their entry into the music scene. With the addition of new members like the Bouton brothers, Amédé Leonide, Rudy Alexandre, and Didier Lapierre, OSB’s pioneering raggamuffin style gained popularity in the Indian Ocean, selling 35,000 copies.
In 1996, Street Brothers released “Expression Libéré,” with Blakkayo joining and later renaming themselves Otentik Street Brothers (OSB). They collaborated with artists like Kaya at Chamarel in 1998. By 2000, OSB expanded, dropping “Nou Ki La,” and followed with “Revey Twa” in 2004.
Their fourth album led to a 2007 European tour and performances at Summerjam in Germany, Colours of Ostrava in Czech Republic, and Dunya Festival in the Netherlands. Celebrating 27 years in 2019 at Ebene’s Backstage, OSB continues to address social issues, influencing Mauritius’ youth through their music.
Blackmen Bluz
Blackmen Bluz, founded by Michel Bavajee (Zulu, singer) and Lionel Permal (singer and guitarist), along with others, scored big with hits like “Gabriella” from their 2009 album “Akoustika” and “Tir Bouson” in 2011, both popular in Mauritius. “Tir Bouson” sold out its first 1,000 copies in a month and had to be reprinted three times due to high demand.
Since their inception, Blackmen Bluz have impressed audiences with energetic performances blending blues and sega, creating a deeply resonant music experience. After gaining lots of airplay on radio and being invited to big events like the MBC New Year’s Eve show in 2009 and hosting the Miss and Mister Radio Plus contest in 2012, they also rocked out in Reunion Island at the Sakifo Musik Festival.
But after dropping their second album, the band called it quits in 2012, citing issues with organising and scheduling. To keep going, they would have had to go pro. Some of them went solo, like Zulu, who teamed up with international stars like Mario Ramsamy and Joss Stone. Lionel Permal also went solo and set up his own company to handle his music career.
Otentik Groove
Formed by Chrisjo Clair, Didier Baniaux, and Elvis Heroseau, Otentik Groove started out with a deep passion for Mauritius’ vibrant music scene.
Early on, they had talented musicians like Jean Michel Ayoung on drums, Jason Heerah handling vocals and percussion, and Géraldo Pierre on keyboards. Their collaboration with the late Lin for his final album ‘Mo Recompans’ in 2016 added to their reputation. Jason Heerah later became a key member, contributing to two albums: ‘Nou Sime’ in 2017 and ‘La Famille’ in 2021, plus several singles.
Otentik Groove has truly become a musical icon on the island. Their hits like ‘Zizman’, ‘Lévé’, ‘Kifer To Pale Danser’, and ‘La Famille’ are testaments to their musical prowess. Their tribute to Bob Marley and memorable performance at the Bonnto Session have only deepened their musical charm.
The Prophecy
Founded in 2009 in Plaine Maignan, The Prophecy began as a dream shared by childhood friends Murvin Clélie and Olivier Dauphine, driven by their love for music and ambition in the industry. Their musical journey took flight in 2015 with the release of their debut album “21st Century,” which swiftly captured hearts and earned them the prestigious “Backstage Music Band” award. That same year, they delighted fans with the hit single “Soufrans en papa.”
In 2016, The Prophecy collaborated with Blakkayo on “Santiman Fier,” further enriching their musical catalogue with the compilation album “The Prophecy & Friends.” The pivotal year of 2018 saw the release of their acclaimed second album “Where We Belong,” featuring standout tracks like “Lagwlar,” which garnered recognition as the record of the year and propelled them onto the international stage.
With their soulful roots reggae melodies and meaningful lyrics, The Prophecy has crafted a compelling narrative that deeply resonates with audiences. Their influence on Mauritius’ music scene continues to grow, inspiring fans and solidifying their role as a cornerstone of the island’s vibrant musical community.
Lyonsquad
Formed in 2017, Lyonsquad burst onto the social media scene with Donovan Bottesoie managing the label, alongside Tazou, DJ Wayn, Tii Alexandre, and Bomboclak. This crew of singers, DJs, and managers has been shaking up Mauritius’ music and entertainment scene.
Hailing from different corners of Mauritius and Rodrigues, Lyonsquad has been delivering electrifying performances since day one. Their breakout hit ‘Angela’, dropped in August 2020, really put them on the map and got people talking. More than just a band, Lyonsquad is like a tight-knit family. They have got a knack for crafting catchy beats and clever lyrics that resonate with fans across generations.
With a huge following and millions of views online, Lyonsquad’s stories, videos, and live gigs have kept fans hooked. They have rocked local hotspots and lit up big stages across Mauritius, showing off their collective talent and love for music.
Mauritian Music Maestros
Mauritius boasts a cadre of exceptionally talented musicians who have significantly elevated the island’s musical profile. They skillfully blend traditional rhythms with contemporary influences, crafting music that resonate deeply both locally and globally. These artists serve as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Mauritius’rich musical heritage with sophistication and creativity. Through their compelling compositions and performances, they have garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying their roles as esteemed representatives of Mauritian music on the international stage.
