On April 28th, Moka hosted its very first Art Festival, following an initiative launched by Moka Smart City.
Street shows, plays, live music, live painting and expo-sale… art was celebrated in all its diversity! Here are a few snapshots of this free-for-all cultural event:
Blue skies and sunshine answered the call this Saturday. Mokassians and people passing through the town would encounter on their way several musical attractions, performed by students of the Conservatoire François Mitterand. A big band elicits a festive mood in Saint Pierre station, while a pop-jazz duo colours the comings and goings of shoppers in Moka market.
In Bagatelle Mall and Kendra, visitors stop between shops to be serenaded by a choir or a jazz trio, while in Moka’z, pop is the ruling sound. Car drivers also benefit from the overall good spirit thanks to live music performed opposite the Shell service station in Saint Pierre.
A magical evening at Telfair’s amphitheatre
As the clock strikes 5, festivalgoers all meet at Telfair’s amphitheatre. Under the stars, the glow of candles and of lanterns suspended in mid-air, everyone makes themselves comfortable around one of the coffee tables facing the stage. The diversity in the composition of the Festival’s audience mirrors that of the island itself: people from every age and every walk of life are to be found.
The mood is laid-back and good-natured. Under a Bedouin tent, the work of several local artists is being shown: colourful paintings by Daphné, photographs celebrating authenticity by young Adrien, intriguing digital art by Fiona… and much more!
On the stage, one renowned artist follows another. The Komiko theatre group kicks off the festivities, which take a musical turn with the successive sets of DJ Brainlove, the quartet Patyatann, the talented Sébastien Margéot, and finally, of he who needs no introduction: Eric Triton. Festivalgoers are in for a treat!
Tested and approved by the audience!
We have just moved to Telfair and I found the festival extremely well-organised. It’s familial, spacious… I was in Bagatelle and Kendra during the afternoon and you could find live painting, face painting and caricature artists there.
Delsha, 25, Saint Pierre
I find the location truly magical. The atmosphere is warm and the musical programme rich. As for the artists whose work is being shown, the selection is very eclectic, and therefore very interesting.
Fiona, 33, Quatre Bornes
The festival is well-rounded, well-located too. I was already familiar with DJ Brainlove’s music, but I only now discover that of Patyatann. The atmosphere is festive and all the people here open-minded
Mawjeet, 23, Quartier Militaire
Conclusion? We cannot wait for the Festival’s second edition!