SEYCHELLES PRESIDENT FAURE CONGRATULATES LEGENDARY LOCAL MUSICIAN JOHN WIRTZ

SEYCHELLES MUSICIAN JOHN WIRTZ FACE

[Seychelles Musician John Wirtz]
President Faure: “Thank you for your contributions, particularly the song ‘Bonn Ane’ which you wrote 51 years ago. Although over 5 decades has passed since its release, we are still enjoying this song today. Your work is a national treasure.”
Photo: Facebook

Seychelles President Danny Faure, received legendary Seychellois musician and composer, Mr. John Wirtz, (singing with Saturn Group above) at State House yesterday.

President Faure, on behalf of the people of Seychelles, formally expressed sincere appreciation for Wirtz’s contributions to music, especially the well-known song ‘Bonn Ane’ that is a classic, particularly during the festive season.

“Thank you for your contributions, particularly the song ‘Bonn Ane’ which you wrote 51 years ago. Although over 5 decades has passed since its release, we are still enjoying this song today. Your work is a national treasure,” said President Faure.

In the presence of the Honorary Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Patrick Victor, the President and Mr. Wirtz discussed the possibility of a documentary to preserve his experiences and knowledge as a pioneer in the Seychelles music industry. The meeting was also an opportunity for Mr. Wirtz, now 70 years of age, to share with the Head of State fond memories of his journey both of his professional career and as a musician.

Following a discussion with President Faure, Wirtz performed his classic song ‘Bonne Ane’ before posing for pictures with the president and Mr. Victor.

Wirtz, who is to be presented in the near future with an award trophy by President Faure started singing and performing in 1966 commented on being received by President Faure.

“I am very happy to be recognized in my own country,” said Wirtz. “I have been recognized in France and was presented with a trophy there too so I am happy that now my own country is recognizing my musical contributions. The highlights of my career, when there were the Top 10 charts, I would make the local charts almost every week. I was also invited to play at numerous weddings over the years and that was always something I enjoyed as the couples would always enjoy the music and show their appreciation. One of my other highlights was a performance in St Denis, France which was greatly appreciated by the Haitian population there. I also performed two shows in Western London and it was packed beyond my expectations and I later learned that some people traveled quite far from France just to see my performance and that made me happy.”

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