Artistic excellence and lifetime achievement recognised at awards ceremony

The Ministry of Arts and Culture recognised several local artists during the Artist Excellence and Lifetime Achievement Awards 2025, held on 6 May 2026 at the Serge Constantin Theatre in Vacoas. The ceremony honoured 12 artists with Lifetime Achievement Awards and seven others with Artist Excellence Awards for their outstanding performances in international competitions. The awardees received trophies and cheques in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments in the arts sector.

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, the Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Hambyrajen Narsinghen, the Junior Minister of Arts and Culture, Mrs Marie Veronique Leu-Govind, and other personalities attended the event alongside other dignitaries.

In his keynote address, Minister Gondeea hailed the ceremony as a historic first in Mauritius, reflecting Government’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the talent, dedication and hard work of local artists. He underscored their significant contribution to the country’s cultural and artistic development, noting that through their art, they showcase Mauritius’ identity and heritage both locally and internationally.

The Minister commended the outstanding performances of the recipients of the Excellence Award for distinguishing themselves in international competitions, describing their achievements as a source of national pride. Referring to the veteran artists honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, he hailed them as pillars of the country’s cultural heritage.

Moreover, Mr Gondeea reaffirmed Government’s resolve to roll out policies to provide greater recognition, visibility and support to the Mauritian artistic community. He underlined that in line with efforts to celebrate local talent, several initiatives have already been undertaken, including the operationalisation of the Serge Constantin Theatre and the upcoming reopening of the Port-Louis Theatre to provide prestigious platforms for artists.

The Minister also highlighted future projects such as the establishment of a One Stop Shop for artists and the planned revamping of the Mauritius Society of Authors to enhance transparency.

Artist Excellence Award 2025

The following artists were awarded with the Artist Excellence Award 2025 to celebrate their achievement in international competitions:

Amarnath Hosany (Prix Jean-Fanchette 2025)

Late Nicolas Couronne (Prix Jean-Fanchette 2025)

Natacha Appanah (Prix Femina 2025 and Prix Goncourt des Lycéens 2025)

Nikhil and the Gang (Battle of the Bands International 2025)

Ebanez Music (Battle of the Bands International 2025)

Pascal Lamarque (Elpassii) (AFROMADA Music Awards 2025)

The Select Singers (African Asia Pacific Choir Games 2025)

Lifetime Achievement Award

The outstanding work of local artists in various art forms were recognised. The honoured artists are as follows:

Brahms Mahadea (Photography)

Yves David (Visual Arts)

Barlen Pyamootoo (Cinema)

Idriss Lallmahomed (Music)

Marie Josée Clency (Music)

Joseph Nicolas Emilien (Music)

08 May 2026

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Topics: Culture