The Caribbean has Kassav’, the Indian Ocean has Cassiya. The band has become the defining icon of Mauritian sega, driven by frontman and founder Désiré François.
Growing up in Cassis, a modest neighbourhood in Mauritius, Désiré developed an early passion for the guitar and the ravanne. Inspired by local musicians, he began writing his own songs in the mid-1980s, rooted in the social realities around him. With his first band, Zanfan Cassi, he laid the foundations for a repertoire that led to the 1993 album Séparation. From then on, the group continued under the name Cassiya.
International tours followed across the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe, alongside an impressive career spanning more than ten albums. Cassiya’s music is dance-driven, socially engaged and deeply rooted in Mauritian culture. In June 2025, the band released its first-ever vinyl record via Baco Distrib.
Growing up in Cassis, a modest neighbourhood in Mauritius, Désiré developed an early passion for the guitar and the ravanne. Inspired by local musicians, he began writing his own songs in the mid-1980s, rooted in the social realities around him. With his first band, Zanfan Cassi, he laid the foundations for a repertoire that led to the 1993 album Séparation. From then on, the group continued under the name Cassiya.
International tours followed across the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe, alongside an impressive career spanning more than ten albums. Cassiya’s music is dance-driven, socially engaged and deeply rooted in Mauritian culture. In June 2025, the band released its first-ever vinyl record via Baco Distrib.
For whom
18+
When
van 19.30 u. tot 23.30 u.
Meer over Désiré Francois & Cassyia
Location
Gemeenschapscentrum De Vaartkapoen vzw
Sint-Jozefstraat 14
1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek
