konekmagazine

Oct/Nov 2013 no.1

www.konek.tv

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Mauritius!

We are proud to introduce to you Konek Magazine, the first cultural hub of Mauritius. What is Konek? Well konek started with konek.tv which is an online platform regroup-ing all the talents, artists of various origins and culture in Mauritius who wants to voice out their art, so konek.tv was born.

The platform is online for almost one year now and we have decided to go and ‘konek’ worldwide with our magazine which will portrait to you Mauritius through the eye of its creative and talented habitants. From music to craftmanship, konek does connect us all under one roof, the roof of sharing passion.

From discovery to culture we make sure you get the real essence of Mauritius through our articles and pictures.

Mauritius is lime a land of dreams with so much cultures nesting in the heart of our population, poets and travellers have for many years fed our fascination with the islands but there are very few places where reality matches up to the dream of discovery. And this is where Mauritius comes into its own, offering visitor a little peice of para-dise and the taste and pleasures of numerous cultures which has forged its legendary warmth.

So enjoy this refreshing trip of discovery from Mauritius and share the passion for our dream is to ‘konek’ with every-one.

Concept: Get Innovative Output LtdGraphic: CJGEmail: contact@gioltd.biz

Disclaimer:We are not responsible for incorrect listings and information. Date and events are subject to change and/or cancellation. We do all we can to ensure correctness but readers are advised to recheck with establishment.The opinions of writers are theirs, not ours.

Travel

Culture

Culture Music

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Food

Food

Culture

MusicMusic

5 | KONEK

8 The perfect escape from reality

12 Fish in tomato sauce

14 Mauritius cultural heritage

18 Ganapathi Bappa Morya

20 A dive in the mesmerizing world of dolphins

26 DJ Jinx Jay

30 Bang Bang Projects

34 Talent has a name

Art & Design

www.mpcb.mu

Sands Resort & Spa, a 4 star deluxe hotel, is located on one of the most pristine stretches of beach at Flic en Flac, on the west coast of Mauritius, overlooking the translucent blue and turquoise lagoon of the Tamarin Bay and the legendary rock of Le Morne peninsula.The resort is a real gem that offers a peaceful and serene set-ting that perfectly fits the genuine local touch of the island.

Travel

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This boutique hotel inaugurated in 2001 reveals the natural lush and magical allure of Mauritius through its stunning architecture and elegant décor that altogether contributes with the com-fort of this boutique hotel. With a de-lightful beach and dreamy lagoon, Sands is also beautified by a shimmer-ing infinity pool that will amaze its guests.

The resort is a hideaway for couples seek-ing tranquility, comfort and personalized service. The over-250-metre-long white sand beach is well protected, and the crystal-clear lagoon is suitable for water sports. The beautifully landscaped gar-

Travel

dens of the hotel provide the right back-drop for the superb Mauritian architec-ture of the complex. The hotel consists of 91 deluxe rooms of 52.5 m², including 5 sets of interconnecting rooms, all with a balcony or a terrace with sea view.

The ocean suites on the ground floor mean that the Indian Ocean is liter-ally on your doorstep. All the rooms come equipped with air condition-ing, mini bar and TV, Wi-Fi and mini bar and a shower and bathtub.

There are three restaurants and bars; the Tamarind terrace offers elegant fine

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Travel

dining and great quality local and inter-national food. Spices restaurant serves food from the ‘a la carte menu’ which celebrates the varied local spices of the Indian Ocean and is elegantly decorat-ed with wood and stone. Pink Pepper-corn restaurant allows for al fresco din-ing and is located on the beach next to a pink peppercorn tree, it is the per-fect place for a romantic evening meal whilst watching the sunset. Finally the Dolphin bar which is also on the beach makes excellent cocktails and sells homemade rum, perfect for a lazy day.

If you are not already relaxed enough after arriving at the hotel, then check out the various treatments on offer in the Sandspa, breath in the exotic aro-mas and essential oils and relax with a

massage or one of the spa’s pamper-ing treatments. There are five treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room and a hair and beauty salon. At the end of your trip if you wish to take home the aroma and atmosphere of your trip then purchase the resorts own eau detoilette ‘Sandsation’.There is a huge array of water sports on offer from the resort including wa-ter skiing, kayaking, fishing, dolphin watching, windsurfing, and wakeboard-ing to name a few. Other sporting op-portunities include golf, tennis, biking, beach volley, the gym and table tennis. The Sands Resort and Spa has everything that you could want from a holiday, perfect for cou-ples, honeymooners and families.

11 | KONEK

Food

Ingredients

• 3 pieces of fish steak• 4 tomatoes, chopped• 1 small onion, sliced• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves• 2 curry leaves• 1 teaspoon garlic paste• 1 teaspoon ginger paste

• 1 small green chili• 1 tablespoon spring onions• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves• Salt• Pepper• Oil

Fish in tomato sauce

(Rougaille poisson)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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• 1 small green chili• 1 tablespoon spring onions• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves• Salt• Pepper• Oil

Instructions

1. Season the fish with salt and pepper2. Fry the fish on medium heat until it turns to a golden color (alternatively you can also bake the fish)3. Reserve the fish4. In a pan heat 2 tablespoon oil5. Add the sliced onion, thyme and curry leaves and stir fry for 2-3 minutes6. Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic and ginger paste, chili and stir well7. Add a little water, cover and cook until the tomatoes are 3/4 done8. Add the fried fish and season with salt 9. Cover and cook until tomatoes are completely done (add a little water if required)10. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander leaves11. Serve with rice, dholl and salad

Food

13 | KONEK

Mauritius Cultural Heritage

Beneath the natural beauties of Mauritius's landscape, lies anoth-er, but sometime forgotten, gem: the Mauritian Culture, better yet, cultures. Going to its discovery can be a journey into some of the most fascinating and refined thousands year old ancestral tra-ditions. It would be too simple to classify Mauritius as having one culture as so many unique and distinctive parts forms this whole. It is made up of the different cus-toms and traditions of those who, during the last 400 years, have set-tled on these shores. Here Europe meets India, China, and Africa and so on. Who would imagine that such unique and diversified cus-toms thrives on such a small place?

This rich diversity is found in eve-ry aspect of the Mauritian life. Churches can be found next to a mosque, Indian temples next to Chinese pagodas. Various Indian believes, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim festivals are celebrated with much fervor and devotion all year round by the different com-munities. Some of these celebra-tions can be quite spectacular like the fire-walking ceremony that is

performed on the Cavadee day.Another proof of this rich diversity is in the variety of Mauritian dishes (cuisine). There are traditional west-ern dishes coming from the colo-nial past of the island; alongside someone can discover delicate new taste and aromas of the more exotic, oriental dishes brought by the Indian and Chinese migrants. Some are unique to Mauritius, as vwwarious delicacies have also been adapted to suit the Mauritian taste, which combines the flavors of the East and finest of the West.

Mauritian folklore is another living tribute to the variety and depth of the islanders' culture. This is illustrat-ed by the many different sound and rhythm. See and hear the beauti-ful sophisticated Indian dances or the Chinese spectacular lion and dragon ones. Or dance to the fran-tic rhythm of the Sega, the most typical folkloric dance of Mauritius.

In our first edition of Konek Mag-azine we will go through the Ganesh Chaturthi celebra-tion and its legends. So relax and enjoy the ride through this cultural lane dear readers…

Culture

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Culture

The road to Père Laval

The shrine of the French Catholic priest and missionary Père Jacques Désiré Laval is something of a Lourdes of the Indian Ocean, with many miracles attributed to visits to the priest's grave. The padre died in 1864 and was beatified in 1979 dur-ing a visit by Pope John Paul II.

In 1841, he was sent to Mauritius by the church to act as mission-ary. During that time period life was very rough on the island and he was the most welcome to boost up the spiritual life of the people, most of which were former slaves. He worked for and helped the poor as much as he could; his medical knowledge was very useful to him then in doing all he could to treat people and help them to lead bet-ter lives. It is believed that he may

have saved more than 67, 000 souls during his stay on the island through his devotion to god and his willing-ness to help the poor.

In 1841, he was sent to Mauritius by the church to act as mission-ary. During that time period life was very rough on the island and he was the most welcome to boost up the spiritual life of the people, most of which were former slaves. He worked for and helped the poor as much as he could; his medical knowledge was very useful to him then in doing all he could to treat people and help them to lead bet-ter lives. It is believed that he may have saved more than 67, 000 souls during his stay on the island through his devotion to god and his willing-ness to help the poor.

Culture

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Jacques Desire Laval died in 1864 which was a great loss to the Mau-ritian community. He was buried in the graveyard at the old church of Sainte Croix with more than 30,000 people crying out the loss during the funeral procession. In 1968, the church was consecrated with beautiful scenes from the bibles and tainted framed windows.

Today the remains of the priest rest in a massive modern stone vault and is object of great respect to the Mauritians all ethnicities combined. Today Père Laval is a popular fig-ure for Mauritians of all religions. Pil-grims come here from as far afield

as South Africa, Britain and France to commemorate the anniversary of his death on 9 September.

At other times of year the shrine is fairly quiet, though the services held on Friday at 1pm and 5pm attract a reasonable crowd. In the same complex is a large modern church and a shop with a permanent ex-hibition of Père Laval’s robe, mitre, letters and photographs.

The shrine is slightly removed from the city centre. To get there, take a bus signed ‘Cité La Cure’ or ‘Père Laval’ from the Immigration Square bus station.

Culture

“Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know GOD will come to know GOD

because they know you”

17 | KONEK

Culture

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 10th September 2012, by Mauritians Hindus especially those of Marathi origin celebrating the day when Lord Ganesh was born. This day marked the start of an important ritual in the Hindu calendar. It was Bhadra-pada Chaturthi, the day when Hindus believe Lord Ganesha bestows his presence on Earth for his devotees. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is

one of the most important and widely observed Hindu festivals.

Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati and is known as the god of wisdom. There are many interesting stories about Ganesha been born and how he got the Elephant head. The legend behind the birth of Lord Ganesha suggests that the lat-ter was born out of sandalwood paste that she used for her birth. Parvati apparently infused life into the paste and set him as a guard while she was giving birth.In Mauritius, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is done with much reverence and aplomb. It is usually accompanied by folklore dancing, song, fasting and absti-nence. Mauritian families usually book their Ganesh idols about one month before, and they also buy new traditional clothes for the occasion

It is a very popular and joyful celebration for the Marathi community. Prior to the day of celebration, houses are cleaned thor-oughly and festivities are prepared. Statues

of lord Ganesh, made from earth, are welcomed into the houses while inhabit-ants fast and pray. The idol of Lord Gane-sha is made to sit in homes and temples and is worshiped with great fervor for 10 days. . The delicious traditional modak are offered to the deity along with lad-doos which are well appreciated by Lord Ganesha.

These statues cannot be kept inside the houses after the celebrations and they are immersed into the water of rivers or of the sea. The immersion of Lord Ganesha has great importance as it represents a see-off ritual in his journey, taking away with him all the misfortune of this fervent devotees.“Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Var-shi Laukar Ya” (O father Ganesha, come again next year).” these are the final chants of Lord Ganesha followers. The idol is cast in deep sea or river so that Lord Ganesha is reborn next year.

Culture

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“Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukar Ya”

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Photos are courtesy of

Ashley Beni

33 | KONEK

Mauritius, a paradisiac island where you will be able to make your dreams of observing dolphins in their natural environment comes true. Dolswim can make this dream even more beautiful. Dolswim makes it possible for you to swim with the dolphins and under the supervision of professionals. Swim with the dolphins, will be done in the largest respect of these splendid marine mammals, their environment and their daily living habits.

It’s no wonder that the Greek Sun God Apollo portrayed the dolphin as the quintessence of peaceful virtue, undisguised joy and as a guide to another world. Dolswim Ltd, regis-tered in 2003, gears all its efforts towards realizing one’s dream of cruising on the wild side. Operating on the west coast of the island, in Rivière Noire, the company offers various recreational activities which allow visitors to behold the inspiring marine mammals as they engage in their daily routine of hunting, playing, courting, and socializing in the bay and beyond. For nature lovers and those who particularly love the sea, Dolswim offers even more. What will you say of a visit of the whales? We have the chance to have also these majestic mammals along the West coast of Mauritius and can thus go to visit them.A typical full day excursion starts at 8:00 and includes a two-hour encounter with the dol-phins as well as lunch on Benitiers Island where one may laze on the beach, admiring the splendid view of Le Morne Mountain. The adventure begins once you step in one of the three speed boats, each covered by insurance and properly equipped with life jackets and other safety gear. Indeed, one of the strong points of the company is its professional-ism and uncompromising attitude towards safety. In each boat there are two highly expe-rienced skippers whose expertise and knowledge of first-aid ensure a safe and enriching trip. The day begins with a briefing on the types of dolphins that you’ll encounter, their habits, security measures and swimming procedures.

Culture

A dive in the mesmerizing world of dolphins

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DOLSWIM LTDContact: NathalieEmail: dolswim@intnet.muWebsite: http://www.dolswim.comBooking: (230) 5 422 9281 - Fax: 483 7790Pick-up: In front of the Island Sports Club, Black River:For GPS Point: S(y) 20.36432 E(x) 57.37234

Dolphins Encounter in Mauritius

Dolphins and whales are perhaps the most fantastic of all the creatures that live in the ocean. These mammals have always had a special place in man heart and mind. The dolphins - cheerful and playful symbol of intelligence and grace can be encountered on the west coast of Mauritius. The Dolphins, the Spinners and the Bottlenose, have made of the West Coast of Mauritius a place to rest and sleep before going to the deep sea to fish.

The dolphin (from the Greek “Delphys” meaning “womb”) is a marine mammal which evolved about 25 million years ago. As an epitome of beauty, intelligence, and freedom, it has carved a special place in human culture. Poets, scientists, philosophers and art-ists worldwide describe the dolphin as a highly social animal, taking loving care of their babies and displaying friendly attitudes towards humans. Tales abound as to how these graceful and wise mammals have rescued humans and helped endangered ships in treacherous waters.

Dolphins lived in pods of around 20 individuals or more and can be observed swimming casually from Tamarin on their way to the deep sea off the coast of le Morne peninsula, early in the morning.

Culture

Whales Encounter on the West coast of Mauritius

The whales – so big, so mysterious and so amazing, can be encountered on the west coast of Mauritius. The Humpback whales can be observed between July and Novem-ber when they move from poles to warmer sea near the equator to reproduce, give birth and breed before getting back to the artic and the Sperm Whale can be observed almost all year round. Whales can be ob-served off the West coast of Mauritius.

To conclude…we can say that the excite-ment aboard is palpa9ble once the wild

dolphins appear in the clear open sea. Scanning the surface for the small dark fins, guests are thrilled when they spot the mammals. As they glide gracefully, unfettered and serene, visitors cannot help but reflect on the wonders of nature and this lifetime experience can be yours to immortalize with the help of our friends; Dolswim.

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Is a small soap and personal care products shop. 100% Hand Made and Natural. The passion behind each batch of soaps, creams, lotions and scrubs never fade away for 3 years... Nathalie

Coastal Road, Cap Malheureux, Riviere Du Rempart, Mauritius

E: natali@intnet.mu T:(230) 5747 7231

In’Fusion Vintage Soaps

www.facebook.com/InFusionVintageSoaps

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DJ JINX JAY

Music

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“Music is about self-expression.Play the music style that inspires you

not what others want you to play.At the end of the day,

you should be recognizedfor who you really are.”

DJ JINX JAY---------------------------

Music

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“Music is about self-expression.Play the music style that inspires you

not what others want you to play.At the end of the day,

you should be recognizedfor who you really are.”

Contacts details:

If you’re looking forward to book Jinx Jay for any

parties or gigs, and enjoy a marvelous musical ex-

perience, do not hesitate to konek with him

Call on +230 57666240 or

Email: jinxjayofficial@gmail.com

Who is Jinx Jay?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Six years of entertaining and mesmerizing music lovers with food for the soul. Jinx Jay is one of the most sought for Djs of the moment in Mauritius as well as abroad. Allying his favorite styles Minimal, Techno to pumping mu-sic styles like Uplifting Trance, Progressive Trance, Psychedelic Trance, Goa Trance, Full-On etc., Jinx Jay has launched a monthly podcast, « Sound of The City » which is gaining more and more popularity.

Since his debut in London, Jinx Jay has been playing various styles of music, although he is a great fanatic of trance music. Indeed, this is what inspires him in his everyday life, and what keeps driving him towards his goals: one of these being his dream of being behind the decks besides the most pop-ular international Djs like Armin Van Buuren, Andrew Rayel, etc.

Jinx Jay is now a regular figure on the nightlife scene of the island. Over the past few years, he has shared the stage and decks with a lot of well-known local DJs, such as Dub Joy, Pascal Pierre, David Jay, Emmanuel Savannah, Tony Montanna, as well as underground DJs like, Tahir, Jeannot Thomas, Rain, Ashley Beni, Noah, Kush92, Dirty Teeth, Mathias Duval, Mute Cell and many others. He has also had the opportunity of performing with artists like Grouch and Wasabi.

With his unique style of mixing, Jinx Jay which makes him one choice of DJ you can always come to. Some say, Jinx Jay’s music makes you go on a real trip from point A to point B! His belief is that music is something that brings someone on a journey which needs to have a beginning and also an end point, which he tries to depict through his podcasts and live sets. In fact, his podcasts, as well as his regular mashups are an expression of emo-tions at different stages which will practically make you take off to an un-known destination far away.

Besides being a DJ, Jinx Jay is also a very friendly and humanly being. His favorite pass time being music, he is also interested in automobile sports, drag racing, football, and poetry. His good sense of humor and his extrovert personality make him someone very accessible.

Music

29 | KONEK

After a day of tracking,our special re-searcher was contacted by the Direc-tor of Bang Bang Projects himself and to our amazement,the Big Boss is none other than Sean Moon also known as Dj Dragon.

He was born in Mauritius but spent most of his childhood in Canada, and this is where his love for music began. When he returned to his home town he intro-duced Tribal House music and set the island on fire.

With his skill as well as the resoponse of the crowd, he attracted a huge crowd everytime he played, and he gained such notoriety that he became resi-dent DJ at the island’s top club at that time namely Vibes and played at large beach parties. Sean also secured a regular slot on radio and gained spon-sorship from many well-known brands.

Once he had conquered the island he decided to widen his experience and traveled around Europe playing as a Guest DJ in various clubs and outdoor gigs. Sean Moon is internationally known for his mixing and producing expertise and continues to be a highly sought af-ter club DJ. He spends most of his time in England expanding his music interest to promote and produce work for other artists. He already has over 10 years of experience in the music industry and is highly on demand for his flair and his ability to adapt to his crowd.

Being a vibrant, internationally known DJ and music producer,Sean is currently working on creating a recording studio, which he hopes will help many others to enter the world of music,thus Bang Bang Projects. His main optic is to pro-mote djs whose got the talent but lack of means to be known.

Bang Bang WHO?

Contact details:

www.djseanmoon.com/

www.facebook.com/groups/bangbangprojects/

https://www.facebook.com/seanmoonofficial

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When he registered Bang Bang Projects in UK,that was the aim but it took such an extent and they finally end up with high demands from

Spain,Egypt, Miami and other places in the world.

Through DJ GYO,he decided to bring more than musical concepts in Mauritius; he deceide to bring the great DJs.”I’m bringing big DJs, great concepts, its true, but European standard and genuineness is a must” and he insisted on the fact that this is what Mauritius is missing,great events with European touch.

Philosophy? “When you live in Europe,you’ve got your name.”

Being a philanthropist in UK,he’d liked to call association and NGOs who need help to contact him (either through KoneKtv or directly). He is conscious that there are so many people out there who need help,so feel at ease to contact him.

“Helping charitable organizations is a vital part of who I am. Life isn’t always easy and I believe in caring and sharing with those that are less fortunate. We can all give a helping hand, no matter how large or small it might be.”

Music

31 | KONEK

“No mistake in art, only expression of oneself”

- Yus

Art & Design

Art & Design

An artist is not accomplished until he makes his audience see through his eyes and listen through his ears. This first exhibition, for me, is the opportunity to unveil my artistic vision of the world and initiate an

interaction with my audience.

Talent has a name: “No mistake in art, only expression of oneself”

- Yus

35 | KONEK

My artistic expression lies in the challenge of producing unique pieces to reflect inner feelings and emotions. My works are based on a personalized approach whether it is to execute a specific or-der, to interpret the feelings of a captured moment or to provide an aesthetic expression of a particular style.

I have chosen to different mediums of arts to eliminate all barriers & liberate artistic inspirations that lie deep inside me, as in every art-ist’s soul.

Photography, paintings, interior design and sculptures are integral part of my world and allow me to play with shapes, volumes & lights at will. Reality & fantasy with no boundaries through diverse facets of art.

I would not readily qualify my works with a specific style tag. At this stage of my life, my art evolves with me; it grows with every sunrise and matures with every sunset. I try to seek the beauty in every steps of life. And when it does catch my heart my energies are un-leashed, revealing themselves into interpretation.

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Art & Design

ArtArt & Design

Art & Design

My art world is open to interpretation and imagination. I can take something that others will see as meaningless, turning it into a piece of art. Thus my motto is:

You do not have to spend a lot of time and money to achieve a unique piece. The source of my inspiration emerges from the environment in which I evolve.

The people that I come across,The sounds that I hear,The flavours that I smell,

The positive and negative energies that flow around me

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Art & Design

I relate to any other artistic forms outside my own and inspire myself from the animal kingdom, the sea world, and outer space. To ven-ture outside my comfort zone is yet another challenge.

My future in the world of abstract art is unpredictable in terms of style, techniques, designs and mixed media.

I like to take on new challenges — with every client, I try to produce something unique and personalized; to fulfil the clients’ criteria and also to give new ideas and point of view, for example, if a client needs an abstract painting to match a specific color of the walls, I will take also into consideration the furniture, the curtains and the interior decorations of the room. Even if the client requires me to choose the color of the walls, design of the curtains or the layout of the room, I can also advise. To summarize I am a painter, interior designer, photographer and sculptor. New to my collection are candle holders and decorative light boxes

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Contact details:Email: ymakey@hotmail.comMobile: (230) 5 423 3152Website: www.yusarts.comFacebook : www.facebook.com/YusARTS

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