My father immigrated to Australia from the Seychelles in 1966 at the age of 19.

The Seychelles is a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. My father met my mother in 1969 and settled down in Bendigo. Growing up nobody around us knew of this exotic location let alone the languages and culture from this small country, but I felt like I grew up there, with my father saying often “Back home we used to” I loved all those stories.

When the Boite asked if I could lead the Millennium Chorus and Boite Schools chorus with the Seychelles as the theme, I was rapt! Having been involved in this project before, I was aware what this meant for this little group of islands. With over 1000 singers across the state learning the songs but also their families and friends coming to see the show, the Seychelles has gained a lot of exposure in Victoria. It also inspired me to bite the bullet and go with my Mum and Dad and experience this island paradise first hand.

Going to the Seychelles with my father was a highlight in my life and one I will never forget.

Then coming back to Australia and arranging and writing the songs kept the whole experience fresh. Also working along side some local Seselwa has meant that I now feel very connected to a culture that only 12 months ago I knew only from my father’s stories.

Coco de Mer has also had this effect for a lot of Seselwa living in Australia, Grace Barbe (one of the special guests in Coco de Mer) is so excited about being able to highlight her homeland and culture, that I’m sure she, along with quite a few of us, will be in tears when we hear all those voices singing in Kreol.

The Boite really does offer a unique experience to gain, a hands on look at lots of different cultures. If you’ve never sung before? That’s OK, give it go! It’s heaps of fun and very rewarding!