FetAfrik African gala evening dazzles Seychelles public

Alphadi's designs was one of the highlights of the African Gala evening (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) 

(Seychelles News Agency) - The scents of African foods, colourful African designs and costumes as well as vibrant African music and dance dazzled those who gathered for the African Gala Evening last night at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel, in the north of the main Seychelles island of Mahé.

The gala evening showcased the Seychelles islands' African origins and identity,and was the main event organized for the 2014 FetAfrik which kicked off Friday evening.

One could enjoy a typical African meal prepared Zambian Chef Musama kaloto Chamunda while being enchanted by amazing collections of well-known fashion designer Alphadi from Niger, dubbed 'magician of the desert' who dressed up Seychellois models in his elegant and colourful designs.

To top it off “Tripple Dance Company” from Nigeria was there to entertain the crowd with a mini recital.

Interestingly, it could be observed that many who had come for the gala evening from the native Seychellois to African nationals residing in Seychelles, had responded to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s call to showcase the African heritage by choosing their outfits to resemble a parade of traditional African costumes.

Their efforts were not in vain as the lady and gentleman with the best costumes were rewarded.

The prize for the best male appearance went to Franky David while for the ladies it was Daniella Julius who took home the prize.

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange did not miss the opportunity to emphasize on the importance of FetAfrik on the Seychelles calendar of cultural events, as it is an annual attraction.

“FetAfrik is a display of our origins, one of our most important festivals where the Seychelles connects with one of the five roots that make us what we are today. The Ministry of Culture wants to strengthen our commitment to Africa, a commitment that will take us to greater heights be it in tourism, trade and arts.”

Besides the gala, this year’s FetAfrik also featured a 'DJ Fiesta’ in the capital of Victoria which featured award winning DJ from Kenya, DJ Kalonje, an African Bazaar selling from African foods to garments and a traditional African mass was also celebrated this morning at the St Thresa's Roman Catholic Church at Plaisance, an eastern district of the main Seychelles island of Mahe.