VICTORIA, Seychelles — The International Wave Dance Song Competition, hosted by acclaimed musician and producer Patrick Victor, is set to announce its winner following a review by a global jury that includes Gramps Morgan (Americas and Caribbean), Sala Seutatia Mata’utia Pene Solomona Aveau (Pacific), Eunice Tong (Asia), Simone Arafa (Europe), Natalie Nqobile Monin (Africa), and Gérard Louis (Indian Ocean). The panel began reviewing submissions after April.
Morgan is the founder of the Grammy-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage, formed with his siblings in 1994. He is known for his powerful vocals alongside former lead singer Peetah Morgan, who passed away in February last year. Beyond the group, Gramps has built a successful solo career and launched his own label, Dada Son Entertainment. He has collaborated with artists like India.Arie, John Legend, and Buju Banton, and released his debut solo album 2 Sides of My Heart, Volume 1 in 2009. In 2020, his singles earned multiple IRAWMA nominations, winning Best Gospel Song and earning him a nod for Best Male Vocalist.
Mr Louis is a celebrated Mauritian musician, composer, and producer, known for modernising and promoting séga music across the Indian Ocean. He founded Geda Music and has been a leading figure in shaping Mauritian music through innovative projects like Teen. The competition is expected to put Seychelles on the regional and global music map, and to provide a platform for emerging talent from across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
