Youth debate: Promoting young talents

“India Got Talent”, “Britain Got Talent”, “America Got Talent”... These are all platforms that give young people from those respective countries an opportunity to showcase their talents, be it singing, dancing, artistic, craft or acrobatics. Recently, the political party Parti Mauricien Social-Democrate (PMSD) came forward with such an event so as to promote local talents. In Mauritius, however, talented people have a tough time to demonstrate how good they can be.

Ashish Issur: “Platforms are not easily accessible”

It is an undeniable fact that the Mauritian youth have lots of talent, says Ashish Issur. “The only problem is that the platform to develop these and showcase themselves might not be easily accessible. One solution might be to include vocational training alongside academic courses in colleges. Some time should be allocated for courses such as cooking, acting, crafting, hairstyling, amongst many others. This would, at the onset, encourage youngsters to come forward and expand their innate talent or help them discover their hidden abilities. To make these more enjoyable and productive, competitions could be held between colleges. In addition, universities should be encouraged to add and enhance relevant courses to assist students willing to make a professional carrier from their talents.”

He wishes to congratulate the University of Mauritius for having already included a new course on music this year, a small step in the right direction. The growth in media outlets is yet another advantage. Social media, which plays a pivotal role in youngsters’ lives could be used as a platform, which will help in developing the talents. It is high time for platforms and opportunities to be given to the youth so as they can make full use of them.”

Aheylia Doongoor: “A wide range of projects”

There should be a special youth arts provider offering unique programmes where young people from diverse cultures can work together. Valued and encouraged in their creativity, they can become part of exciting production processes that create profound cultural memory. This is the gist of the Aheylia Doongoor’s proposal.

“There should be a wide range of projects aimed at creating original high quality live performance events and involving different combinations of the following: Drama – theatre making which includes the devising of new work through exploring and researching ideas, improvisation in terms of sketch and plays, for instance Shakespearean plays enacted on stage. Cooking – Learning new recipes, healthy food and diets. Discussion and debate – ideas sharing and development of performance and presentation skills, for example, a debate on a particular topic which is affecting the population of Mauritius. Dance – such as Freestyle Movement, Hip Hop and Street, Contemporary Dance and African and Asian genres. Writing workshops that encourage Poetry, Script development, Lyric Writing and Spoken word. Music and digital arts.”

Fardeen Mowlabucus: “We need proper channels”

Everyone is unique in their own way and each of us is born with talents and creativity, some are hidden and some are not, says Fardeen Mowlabucus. “We need proper channels and motivating factors to fine tune them and show to the world what we can do. In order to show the talents and creativity of our youngsters, we must review the education system. Each and every school must make a list of the talents and creativity demonstrated by students. Once identified, these students should be regrouped and given appropriate support to further develop their talents. Lastly, we should organise competitions for them to showcase their skills. For other youngsters, the community centre must be used as a platform to gain exposure within the region they live in and later, across the island with the help of the Ministry of Arts and Culture,” he says.

Fardeen Mowlabucus adds: “A special TV programme for talent and creativity must be launched to help showcase these talents. “Technology, which now forms part of our lives, needs to be wisely used, a website dedicated to youngsters could be created to promote their ideas and talent. The tourism industry – a pillar of our economy – must also be used as the tourists are our main ambassadors from all over the world. Hotels must provide a suitable space for our youngsters to showcase their talents to visitors.”

Isabelle Frichot: “There is a lack of infrastructure and support”

Undoubtedly, there are tremendous talents in different areas in Mauritius but there is a clear lack of infrastructure and long-term support for the young talents, claims Isabelle Frichot. “First of all, there should be the creation of a free National Arts Academy, where every young people can be guided and fully supported. There should not only be academic support but also professional and financial support. Arts should be able to generate revenue for both the artist and the economy. Secondly, the opening of public spaces for performances at regional and national level and the availability of recording studios will considerably boost the music industry. Furthermore, young professionals of the music industry will be able to express their talents, their feelings, their emotions. This will also contribute to the cultural wealth of the country.”

Iklas Budaly: “It is time to launch Mauritius Got Talent”

It is time to launch “Mauritius Got Talent” to allow young people to showcase their skills, says Iklas Budaly. “The different categories of talents can be in terms of singing or dancing or other talents such as, break-dancing, playing drums, piano and even local instruments like ravanne. Comedians, magicians, amongst others, are also expected to participate in this competition. These types of platforms help young people to develop their leadership and communication skills. For example, there is already an organisation AIESEC which opens up an international platform for young people. With AIESEC, you get to lead a social project, attend conferences where you meet a lot of people and attend sessions, and AIESEC holds twice a year its Global Village where foreigners come to showcase their culture; whether it is dance, food or customs. Basically AIESEC helps you to become a better person, prepares you to overcome your shyness and be socially more active.”