Seychellois writers' contributions to Creole literature recognised in new book

The book is the product of ten years of research by Guinean-born Diallo Addourahamane.  (Salifa Karapetyan, Seychelles News Agency) 

A new book in Seychelles is giving recognition to the rich contributions made by Seychellois writers to Creole literature in the form of poetry, storytelling, novels, and drama.

The book is the product of ten years of research by Guinean-born Diallo Addourahamane. "Seychellois Writers: A Biographical Sketch" is also giving value to the Creole language as well as the rich cultural heritage of the island nation.

“It is an inventory of Seychellois writers, both men, and women,” Diallo told SNA on Sunday, adding that “150 writers are featured in the book, including religious and political authors.”

Based on research undertaken at the National Archives and that of the Roman Catholic Diocese and the Islamic Society, the book features a short biography as well as photos of the writers.

Antoine Abel, Sonia Grandcourt, Regina Melanie and Jean-Joseph Madeleine are amongst those featured in the book, which is in French. It is on sale at book stores as well as at the National History Museum for $13.

The book was published through the national arts and culture fund. The Principal Secretary for Culture Cecile Kalebi has commended the initiative. 

Diallo was amongst the first 10 Guineans who came to the island nation in 1980 under a corporation between the two countries.  (Salifa Karapetyan, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

“The book is very important as it acts as a point of reference. It shows that in Seychelles we have a pool of gifted writers even though not all of them have published their works,” said Kalebi.

Diallo was amongst the first 10 Guineans who came to the island nation in 1980 under a corporation between the two countries.

Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts.

‘That was in January, later that year, two other groups came, most of them went in teaching positions but I joined the culture ministry. There I worked with the heritage section at La Bastille and began to learn all about the country’s culture, tradition, and heritage,’ explained Diallo.

In the late 1980s, Diallo was transferred to education, where he spent the rest of his career teaching in different schools and institutions including the National Youth Service.

Tony Joubert, better known by his stage name Raspyek, said that he is honored to be featured in this book.  "For me, it is my contribution in poetry that matters and feeling appreciated makes a whole lot of difference," said Raspyek.

Diallo, now a Seychellois, is retired and said he has several projects that he is working on. These include two other publications which he said will highlight findings of researches on the musical heritage of Seychelles – 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.