馃嚥馃嚭MauritiusEast Africa
Mauritian diaspora in Paris honors seggae pioneer Ras Natty Baby
via Le Mauricien3 min read
On June 7, 2026, the Mauritian community in France gathered at Sainte-Anne parish in Paris to pay tribute to Joseph Nicolas 脡milien, known as Ras Natty Baby, a pioneering seggae artist. This emotional celebration, organized by the Mauritian chaplaincy in France, occurred over a month after his passing in India on April 26 from an illness. Parents, friends, and members of the Mauritian diaspora shared a moment of remembrance for the artist, who was born in Baie-Topaze, Rodrigues, and was known for his unique blend of sega and reggae music. Ras Natty Baby had a lasting impact on Mauritius's musical landscape and deeply influenced several generations. The commemorative event was initiated by Fran莽oise Buan, a close friend of the artist, and organized in collaboration with Pauline Laviolette, vice-president of the Mauritian chaplaincy, with the agreement of Salem 脡milien, the singer's son. The ceremony, presided over by Father Narindra-Augustin Andriamanampisoa from the diocese of Antsirabe in Madagascar, took place in the crypt of Sainte-Anne church. Attendees shared songs, prayers, and testimonies, honoring Ras Natty Baby's musical and human legacy. Roger, president of the AZIR association, shared a personal memory, stating that Ras Natty Baby's memory remains intact. The mass also marked one of Father Narindra-Augustin Andriamanampisoa's final Parisian celebrations before returning to Madagascar. Following the religious service, a communal meal was held in the presbytery court
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
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