Today in Mauritius, we have various cultures living side by side. Everyone has their own festivals, their own way of getting dressed, and their own very distinct features; the people of India, China and Europe are proud to show their finest clothes, crafts and dishes during their special festivals each year.

I have noticed though, with some regret, that my fellow Creoles are at present alienating themselves from their traditional lifestyle at a frightening speed. They prefer to follow the new, modern style they see shown on television and in the newspapers and magazines.

In my atelier and through the creations that I present in my shop “Roots” in Chamarel, we are keeping those old African traditions alive. It is my aim to create and offer fashion as well as jewelry in the traditional style of the island. In this way, I remind the Mauritians of their African heritage and show the tourists another aspect of the island.

Here in Chamarel, Rasta Culture is held in high esteem. We Rasta’s venerate the earth as our sacred life-source. For us, it is a very honourable thing to work in the fields or manually work with natural products. Our work is an expression of our lifestyle, just as our arts and crafts as well as our music are an expression of our culture.

To us, the Rasta’s, arts and culture are simply a part of life, inspiration taken from the divine source of our creator and shared with everyone.