President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, presided over the distinguished Seychelles Arts Awards 2025 ceremony at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) on Saturday evening. The event served as a magnificent tribute to the nation's artistic excellence, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Seychellois artists across diverse cultural disciplines.
Organized by the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, the ceremony convened the nation’s most distinguished artists, performers, and cultural practitioners for a grand celebration of creative excellence. The evening’s multifaceted programme featured five distinct award segments, honouring outstanding contributions across visual and performing arts, fashion, literature, filmmaking, media arts, arts education, and traditional crafts.
The pinnacle of the evening was marked by the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, paying tribute to individuals whose unwavering dedication and decades of distinguished service have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Seychelles. Mrs. Marlette McKelvey received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Female excellence, while Mr. Georges Camille was honoured with the Male Lifetime Achievement Award, additionally securing recognition for Best Art Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Distinguished recipients across various categories included Mrs. Christine Chetty-Payet, who achieved dual recognition as Best Visual Artist and Best Artist in Arts Education and Advocacy. Ms. Tania Jeremie was celebrated as Best Performing Artist, while Mrs. Merina Albert received acclaim as Best Fashion Artist. Additional honorees included Mr. Kurt Lagrenade for Best Artistic Producer, Mr. Reuban Lepsoir for Best Artist in Literature, Mr. Johnny Volcere for Best Artist in Filmmaking & Media Arts, and Mr. Florent Servina for Best Artist in Traditional Arts and Crafts.
The ceremony particularly emphasized emerging talent, with Ms. Alizée Low Ken receiving the Young Emerging Artist award, while Mr. Raymond Clarisse was honoured with the Jury Award. Special recognition was accorded to Mr. Andreix Rosalie and Mrs. Eudoxie Labiche Harvie in the Traditional Music & Dance categories, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to preserving, performing, and promoting Seychelles' traditional musical heritage with excellence and national pride.
Mr. David Andre, the Secretary General of the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and Arts, extended congratulations to all recipients, commending them for daring "to dream and challenge conventions" while inspiring their communities. He emphasized the fundamental importance of arts in preserving and promoting Seychellois cultural identity, stating, "Art is not simply about aesthetics. It is about identity, justice, economic potential, collective memory, and nation building
The evening was further elevated by a series of outstanding cultural performances, including vocal renditions, traditional dance exhibitions, and poignant poetry recitations. A highlight of the programme was a distinguished performance by the Mahé Chamber Choir, which paid tribute to the late Mr. Joe Samy, whose immense contributions to artistic expression and cultural preservation have left a lasting imprint on the nation’s cultural heritage. The celebration culminated in a powerful Moutya performance by Mr. Jean-Marc Volcy and his group, showcasing one of Seychelles’ most cherished traditional art forms.
The distinguished gathering was graced by the presence of Honourable Bernard Georges, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly; members of the Diplomatic Corps; Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe; Members of the National Assembly; Mrs. Cecile Kalebi, Permanent Secretary for the National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts; Honorary Ambassador for Culture Mr. Patrick Victor; as well as award finalists, artists, jury members, representatives of the organizing committee, sponsors, and invited guests.