Kreol-Mauritian but also Kreol-Rodriguais in the spotlight. Indeed, after the publication of the first dictionary of Kréol-Rodriguais last December, this language has had another important recognition. This time, it is on the continent thanks to the slam of Julio Pierre Louis which earned him the title of vice-champion of Africa in Ethiopia.
The Kréol-Rodriguais has arrived in Ethiopia. His ambassador Julio Pierre Louis, impressed the jury of this slam contest. Indeed, at the age of 21, his talent as a slammer in his mother tongue allowed him to win the 2nd prize of the African Slam Cup.
Julio Pierre Louis-vice-champion of Africa of slam pointed out “Kan mo fer slam en kreol mo pli a laise 1; Et deuziement mo pli expressifs, kestion pou ale représente la république et surtout zil Rodrigue niveau l’Afrique, ou bizin ena ene l’identité, ou bizin ena ene Valère ki ou ena dan ou pays ki ou p ale montrer banela sa laba.”
Who is Julio Pierre Louis?
Julio Pierre Louis, from his artist name “Ninja”, is a young slammer, singer and sportsman of 21 years old who just finished second in the African Poetry Slam Cup out of 33 countries represented. Coming from a family of artists, including his father, brother (Stélio Pierre-Louis) and sister, it is quite natural that this young man talks about his love for all the arts he practices.
This young man, once shy and reserved, at the beginning of his career in 2010, confides to us that the slam has allowed him to assert himself with eloquence and panache. Winning various competitions in individual and team, regional, national and international, we can say that he has come a long way. The fact that the competition took place in Africa, the young man confided to us, made him feel that he has established deep ties with the land of his ancestors. “It’s a sign that he’s bonded with his ancestors and that he’s been able to continue to serve them and show them that he’s made the right choice,” he says.
It is also significant for him to be vice-champion of Africa because he slammed in Rodriguan Creole. “Konesans lor zistwar ou pep se sel zarm pou konbat lesklavaz mantal”. For the young man, Rodriguan Creole is a powerful singing language that resonates in the soul. To the question “What is the future of Rodriguan Creole?”, he confidently answers “Biento li pou vinn internasional”.
As for his projects, he will participate in September of this year in the World Cup of Slam in Belgium. He also intends to finish his university studies in physical education in order to become an educator to transmit his values and discipline (he doesn’t drink or smoke) and thus push the youth, become a model for them and inspire the new generation both athletically and artistically.
