Grace Barbé

“There is a sense of pride that comes with being recognised, acknowledged and rewarded for music that tell stories of your roots and culture. Music that captivates rhythms of the islands. Music that is not only sang in English, but also in Creole and French. I would not have created what I am creating now without that sense of culture, community and purpose.”

“In a way, I see myself and my band have created a platform in promoting music and culture of the Indian Ocean island region – Seychelles, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Reunion, Mayotte and Madagascar – while also developing our own sound.”

“I feel proud to be recognised and rewarded for creating music that tells stories of my roots and culture.”

“I have been doing this for a while now and each time, the audience is always fascinated because the majority of people in Australia have never heard of the Seychelles or know very little about the culture and the music.”

“Don’t be afraid to shake your coconuts!”