Melanie Pérès : promoting Mauritian Kreol by singing and writing

Words flow through her pen and her voice. Beautifully talented, Melanie Pérès won a prize in Kréol Morisien organised by Creole Speaking Union for her book Tigann. At the age of 21, Melanie continues to be one of the Mauritians who continue to grow up promoting Mauritian Creole.

English and French have before 1968 been favoured over Mauritian Creole. The native language being Mauritian Creole has long been disapproved in the education system until now. Universities are now introducing these courses. The native language has now intruded itself into the literacy and theatre world. It has moreover ruled as a language that everyone of Mauritian origin acquires as their native language. The Mauritian Creole Dictionnary (Diksioner Morisien) which came out in 2011 has also introduced the correct word to be used while writing Creole. Melanie Pérès writes Tigann in Mauritian Creole and has written every word according to the Mauritian Dictionary.

More than everything, she is still very grateful to her father. He is the one who initiated her passion for music. Their relationship has had a very beautiful impact on her."

The beauty of Mauritius Island has flourished with so many writers and singers. Expressing feelings and daily observations, Mauritian Literature has known a huge success worldwide bringing Ananda Devi, Shehnaz Patel or J.M.G Le Clézio in the limelight. Bringing to the forefront the beauty of the island and unveiling the truth about the real life of its people while rendering each word obscure and intriguing.

Genetically Talented

Multiple talents run through her blood: Musically talented and being a word lover, Melanie Pérès expresses herself through Mauritian Creole. Her father Patrick Pérès, singer who played ‘BhaiAboo’ alongside with Claudio, has transmitted to her daughter his genes to think out of the box. Melanie has grown up with music in her blood and she is indeed the proud daughter of her father. “I have always been close to my father.” Patrick Pérès has always guided her at every step, has taught her everything and brought her to be the young lady she is today. “His advices had always been useful.” More than everything, she is still very grateful to her father. He is the one who initiated her passion for music. Their relationship has had a very beautiful impact on her.

Discovering the weight of words

While growing up in a familial group of musicians and singers, she was always unconsciously pushed towards music. Back in her college years, she participated in a group consisting of girls only. Melanie played guitar. While following her heart through music she discovered that she liked literature and had good writing skills. “I met Henri Favory and my life took another turn.” Henry Favory changed her life and her views. He initiated her to the fields of theatre and literature. That’s how she discovered the power of words and how a single word can activate so many feelings through books, literature and theatre.

Inspiration through Theatre

Henri Favory introduced her to theatre and Mauritian Creole. He taught her everything related to the literary world. She feels a lot of gratitude towards him for initiating her in theater, too. “I discovered the vast world of literature” and this world has always impressed and motivated her even more. Melanie has even played in a drama called “Nu Traversé” which inspired her even more to grow. She was hugely surprised at the amount of plays that are performed. She is bent on adopting this amazing creative path that can lead her to a more brilliant future.

Mauritian Creole Literature

Ambitious and confident in what she wants to do in life, she choses to go more intensely in the Mauritian literature studies. “When I started my university studies, I had as a goal to be part of the Mauritian Literature world.” Very passionate with words, she participated in the competition organised by the Creole Speaking Union. The best way to succeed in something is firstly to be passionate about it and then to cherish every moment we share with the way of doing it. This inspirational character has indeed been always been drawn towards words and this love she has for them has paid off. She won the 2nd prize of the Creole Speaking Union and wrote a book called Tigann.

Winning a prize…

Winning at something, which is indeed a particular prize from something one has worked hard for, has been the perfect opportunity for her to be part of the Mauritian Creole literature.  Feeling tremendously proud of winning this prize, she openly shares her emotions about finally be part of this passionate language she adores so much. Concerning Mauritian writers, she says that “I do not have a favourite author because every writer hides in him or her, a genius.” For her, every word they write has a meaning. “They all have my respects.” It is through the simplest words that one may have the most beautiful feelings.

Reshma Bheemuck