It is true that time flies.  Patrick Victor, one of the pillars of Seychelles music, is celebrating 25 years in the industry this year.

A silver jubilee is very often linked with celebrations and it is no exception for the talented singer and composer.

Victor, who has also directed a number of plays, is to celebrate his achievement and longevity in music by hosting two musical shows at the International Conference Centre on December 20 and 21.

On those two days, Victor will share the stage with other famous female singers like Jany De Letourdie, Octavie Prosper, Michelle Marengo and Giselle, among others.

The December 20 show, falling on a Saturday, will start at 8.15 p.m.  The following day's show will begin at 3.30 p.m. Tickets for both shows cost R100 for adults and R50 for children and are on sale at all the usual outlets.

Other than the concerts, Victor has also prepared a silver jubilee album on compact disc (CD) only.

This recent production, comprising 15 songs, is a portrait of 25 years of hard work by the local singing star.

The new release, with songs chosen with the help of fans, is striking a chord with a Seychellois public that is still nostalgic about Victor's old ballads that propelled him to stardom since kicking off his musical career in 1978.

According to Victor, the album is a testimony of his love and passion for music.

Alongside Victor, who plays acoustic guitar and mandolin, are seasoned musicians like Golty Farabeau (bass guitar), Mervin Nibourette, Bruce Freminot and Berney Bertin  (drums), Remy Zialor (percussion), Jimmy Dine, John Lajoie, Eric Boro (keyboard), Benette Accouche and John Lajoie (piano) and Emmanuel Marie (Electric Guitar).

"For a long time, my fans have been asking me to reproduce some of my old songs," Victor explained, adding that some people have even asked him to redo songs like Lerwa Sega. 

"Most of them said they no longer had copies of the songs and would like to have them on CDs. It is more a people's choice album," he said.

Victor noted that this doesn't mean that there aren't new songs in the pipeline.

"I have written many new songs but I haven't had the opportunity to produce them," he said.  "I hope to do that after having completed the production of my second compilation of old songs."

It's perhaps the simplicity of the music and the lyrics that appeal to his audience the most.

Victor's lyrics are simple and catchy for different moods. The singer can put spice to a romantic evening or be patriotic when he feels the need.

Over the years, Victor has produced six albums. His debut Kouler lokal was released in 1978. It was followed by other popular albums like Pou Viv an Kreol, Memory Lane, Redanmsyon.

With all-time favourites like Mon Bizou, Solin, Semen Katedral, Pa Plere, the compilation is a must-buy for all of Victor's fans.

LINKS