Traditional Music and Dances

The Moutia is a traditional Seychelles dance that is accompanied by singing and has an African or Madagascan rhythm. Music and dance have always played an important role in Seychellois culture and are still an important part of local festivities. Seychelles music has African, Madagascan, and European roots and is performed on percussion instruments such as drums and tomtoms, as well as basic stringed instruments. Foreign influences were responsible for introducing the violin and the guitar to the region, both of which now play an important role in its music.

The Sega, with its characteristic swaying of the hips, is the most popular dance. The traditional Moutia, a mysterious, erotic dance that dates back to the days of slavery when African slaves saw it as a rare opportunity to express their discontent, is also still popular. The Kanmtole is a classical dance imported from abroad, accompanied by banjos, accordions, and violins, and is reminiscent of both the Scottish square dance and the French Royal Court's Contredanse.

In Seychelles, there are numerous song and dance groups, ranging from traditional local groups to modern jazz, reggae, country, hip-hop, ballad, and classic rock. You may also have the opportunity to see a choir perform traditional anthems with a repertoire that includes sacred, popular, ancient, and even evangelical pieces.