Seychelles FetAfrik Gala Dinner showcased multiethnic diversity of the islands

The annual Seychelles FetAfrik Gala Dinner just keeps getting bigger and better. At the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino on Saturday, May 24, a touch of glamour was added to the flagship event of FetAfrik in the Seychelles. This event is the Seychelles celebrations of Africa Day, the event that is celebrated as part of the five historical festivals marking the five lines making the proud Seychellois Creole people of today. The soaring success of the event was evident as tickets for the Gala Dinner were sold out way ahead of the event.

The highly-anticipated show of top Niger Fashion Designer, Aphadi, at the FetAfrik Gala was described as a “catwalk soaring to new heights!” The 24 ready-to-wear haute couture collection was worn by models from the island’s reputed Coral Model Agency. It showcased vibrant colors blended into modern and noble materials, such as “pagne,” embroidery and handmade beadings, which Alphadi said “draw inspiration from the Seychelles’ vibrant colors.” The collection was one dedicated to women and peace in the world. Alphadi stole the guests’ hearts with his white collection, before humbly gracing the catwalk with “Miss Seychelles another World 2013,” Agnes Gerry, under grand applause from the public.

The Seychelles FetAfrik Gala Dinner was also about meeting a celebrity chef. This year Chef Musama Kaloto Chamunda from Zambia was in the spotlight and coveted by media covering the event. Her signature dishes such as Chicken Casserole simmered in spicy tomato sauce (Zambian Style) with piri, mbuzi salad, and Katapa (cassava leaves) were incredibly tasty.

African dance

Fet Afrik Gala

The fun goes on

The night would not have been complete without a live performance from mainland Africa. Tripple Heritage Dance Company of Nigeria gave guests an artistic medley of traditional and contemporary dances, music costumes, and masquerades.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said the culture of a nation lies in the heart and soul of its people and that this was why it was the people of Seychelles who were now at the center in the continued development of the tourism industry of Seychelles.

“Today it feels so good to see all of you at our FetAfrik Gala Dinner. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is so proud to celebrate FetAfrik. I need today to repeat the noble words of Mahatma Gandhi who said that the culture of a nation lies in the heart and soul of its people. We should take pride in what we do and ensure what we are doing is for the long-term benefit of our country,” said Minister St.Ange at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino.

FetAfrik Gala ended with an African Disco, as guests danced the night away with great African songs.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .