Joyce Veeramootoo : A Mauritian in Canada Showcases Indian Ocean Cultures

Her voice conquered the heart of millions of people across the world. We cannot be more proud than to have a successful lady in Canada hoisting our Mauritian flag higher. A radio host and producer in Montreal, Quebec, Joyce invites us to discover her successful journey. 
 
After years of working experience in the Corporate, Hospitality and Cultural Environment, the world of radio crossed her path several times as she was often invited as a guest on several radio and TV shows. Today, a proud Radio Host and Producer at Radio centre-ville 102, 3FM in Montreal, Quebec, she hosts a radio show called ‘Chronique des Mascareignes’ and the ‘Zone de Comfort Health and Wellness Chronique’ during the Planète Montréal Show. She is also president and co-founder of DC COM MTL, a marketing and advertising company. Moreover, the lady is a singer, songwriter and master of ceremonies at large events. She performs at La Place des Arts de Montréal and on the stage of the festival International du ‘Cinéma Vues d’Afrique’.

She reveals that her show “Chronique des Mascareignes” is a tribute to her roots, ancestors and culture. “I saw there was a need for the Mascarenes Culture to be represented on FM radio waves in Montreal. The Mascarenes and Indian Ocean Cultures were not present on FM radio in Montreal when I started hosting this show two years ago. Today, my audience is growing and I receive several requests from Mauritian artists, producers and entrepreneurs for visibility, advertising and projects.”

Additionally, other people from La Reunion, Madagascar and Comoros have approached her as well. Her show acts a bridge between the Indian Ocean and Canada not only on the FM radio waves but also through her presence on social media and her podcast. 

From Mauritius to Canada 

Joyce was born in Port Louis but grew up in the province of Quebec. She confides that her family moved to Canada during the World Expo 1967 in Montreal with a group of people from Mauritius. She spent the first year of her life in Montreal before her family moved to Sept-Iles. “It was a lot of fun for my siblings and I growing up in beautiful open spaces. My family had land near the ocean front and we spent a lot of time enjoying, exploring the great outdoors and eating fresh seafood from Port Cartier.”

Additionally, she reveals that her father was one of the Founders of AQIM – Association Quebec Ile Maurice in 1978, a non-profit organisation which has a mission to unite the Mauritian-Canadian Community in Montreal by organising social and cultural activities and assisting members with their integration process. Along with her father, she was a member of its administrative comity first as Secretary at the age of 16 and more recently, as Treasurer. She left the committee two years ago after helping the association with its communications and social media needs.

Experience in Canada 

Joyce did not suffer from an adaptation or integration process. However, she did encounter racism, religious as well as genderism to this day, even from the people of Mauritius but this has not stopped her from achieving her goals. “A Mauritian once told me: ‘You are not a real Mauritian’. As a second generation Mauritian, I have a Quebec accent and a North American mindset. I am surprised by this attitude from first generation Mauritians. I was born Mauritian and my roots and ancestry lie on that land and the story of my ancestors will never be forgotten. The land where one is born will always be their homeland.” 

Besides, she indicates that when she was growing up, her parents did not teach her how to speak the Creole language, as they did not want their children to have a Creole accent. Nevertheless, they used to eat Mauritian food and listen to sega. It is through a friend that she discovered the Mauritian culture fully. “I joined a Mauritian Sega Dance Troup at that time and we performed during AQIM’s – Association Quebec Ile Maurice activities. At the age of 16, I started singing in public with the band formed by this family, which was called ‘Les Mascareignes’.” 

Joyce utters that what she feels missing in her life is the fact that she did not grow up with aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins. “It was really heartwarming to meet my cousins and uncles during my last visit to Mauritius. I enjoyed seeing people from different communities walking the streets and running businesses in Mauritius. I enjoyed feeling a sense of belonging at a DNA level. I remember looking through the window when my plane was landing for the first time in Mauritius. I really miss the ocean, beaches and ocean air.” 

Passion

Among her biggest passions are singing and creating, which bring her the greatest joy. Another passion of hers is health and wellness. “Taking care of the body and the spirit are very important in life. I am currently producing a series of guided meditations for Inner Peace and Full Realization linked to my ‘Health and Wellness Chronique Zone de Confort’ on 102,3FM, which has a Facebook group of over 3,000 people, podcast and YouTube channel. My meditation for Inner peace and self-confidence has over 6,000 views. The fourth is Nature and Animals. Spending time in Nature is very important to me, Nature and animals help me to remain balanced and find Inner peace with my busy lifestyle. I also have a green thumb, a passion for growing plants, especially flowers. My fifth and ongoing passion is my thirst for learning and transmitting knowledge and life experiences.”