In our increasingly digital world, the warm, crackling sound of a needle dropping on a vinyl record offers a nostalgic and tangible connection to music that streaming services cannot replicate. For music lovers and collectors in Mauritius, the hunt for that perfect record is a journey through hidden gems, international outlets, and the very soul of the island’s unique cultural heartbeat. This guide explores the thriving scene of Mauritius’ vinyl records stores, where the past and present harmonize beautifully.
The Local Legend: Ah Kaye Music Shop
Tucked away in Curepipe, Ah Kaye Music Shop Ltd stands as a testament to the enduring love for physical music. Described as a “long-established record store,” it is a treasure trove for those willing to seek it out. Located just off the Main Royal Road at No. 316 in Rose Hill (though it’s noted that its Google Maps pin might be misleading), this shop offers a curated selection of new and second-hand records and CDs .
For the vinyl enthusiast, Ah Kaye is a portal to different eras and sounds. It specializes in Sega and classical CDs, but its vinyl collection is particularly enticing, featuring French and European pressings that are difficult to find elsewhere on the island . This store isn’t just a retail space; it’s a cultural artifact, a place where the history of Mauritian music is preserved one record at a time. Visiting Ah Kaye is more than a shopping trip—it’s an experience, offering a chance to connect with the deep-rooted musical traditions of Mauritius and discover hidden auditory gems that tell the story of the island’s diverse influences.
The International Outlet: 101 Multimedia
For those seeking the latest releases from international superstars, 101 Multimedia is a primary destination. This expansive retailer boasts a massive catalog, with over 296 products in its vinyl section alone . Here, you can find everything from the timeless classics of Whitney Houston (₨3,350) and Stevie Wonder (₨3,350) to modern icons like Dua Lipa (₨3,300) and Taylor Swift (₨5,750) .
The store provides a seamless shopping experience, allowing customers to sort by best sellers, price, or alphabetically. Whether you’re looking for the iconic soundtrack to Gladiator (₨5,150), the jazz brilliance of John Coltrane (₨3,700), or the ambient waves of Cigarettes After Sex (₨3,100), 101 Multimedia offers a reliable and comprehensive source for new, sealed records from across the globe . It represents the modern face of vinyl collecting in Mauritius, where global accessibility meets a local retail presence.
The Thriving Second-Hand and Online Market
The Mauritian vinyl scene extends far beyond brick-and-mortar stores. Online platforms are a vital artery for collectors, especially those searching for rare and genre-specific pressings.
eBay is a notable hotspot, where private sellers from Mauritius occasionally list incredible finds. One such listing offered a “lot of super rare Sega from Mauritius records vinyl,” highlighting the demand for these local cultural artifacts. These records, often 45 RPM LPs on 8″ vinyl, are pressed right on the island and represent the authentic, grassroots sound of traditional Sega music . For a serious collector, snagging such a lot is like finding gold, offering a deep and authentic dive into the nation’s musical heritage.
Furthermore, international online stores like RecordPusher and Del Bravo Record Shop cater to the Mauritian market, often shipping to the island. RecordPusher offers a wide range of genres, from Scandinavian rock to classic hip-hop releases from artists like 2Pac . Meanwhile, Del Bravo, which has been “spinnin’ the hits since 1966,” specializes in Tejano and Conjunto music but also sells a vast array of “used, new and reissued English records,” providing another valuable channel for Mauritian collectors to access international pressings .
The Cultural Tapestry: Sega, Maloya, and Séggae
To understand vinyl collecting in Mauritius is to appreciate the music that defines it. The most sought-after records are often those containing the islands’ unique musical styles: Sega, Maloya, and Séggae.
Sega is the rhythmic, heartfelt music that originated from the enslaved Africans on the island. Played with instruments like the ravanne (a hand drum), the triangle, and the maravanne (a rattle), its infectious beat is the soundtrack to Mauritian life . Finding an original Sega vinyl is to hold a piece of the nation’s soul.
Maloya, often described as the “musical soul” of neighboring Réunion Island, is a closely related genre that is also deeply cherished by collectors in Mauritius. It is a more politically charged music, traditionally sung in Creole and used as a form of cultural and social expression. Séggae is a fantastic fusion that emerged in the 1980s, blending the rhythmic patterns of Sega with the political consciousness and off-beat rhythms of reggae .
Artists like Danyel Waro, Kaya, and Ziskakan are legendary figures in these genres. Their records, often pressed in limited quantities, are highly prized collector’s items. As Christophe, the owner of Réunion’s famed Vinyl Run record shop, says, “I try to introduce our music and culture to people all around the world… These genres are like the blues of Réunion Island” . This sentiment resonates deeply with Mauritian collectors who treasure these local sounds.
The Modern Vinyl Experience in Mauritius
The vinyl revival in Mauritius is about more than just music; it’s about community, history, and the tangible joy of ownership. It’s in the careful flipping through crates at Ah Kaye Music Shop, the excitement of unboxing a pristine international order from 101 Multimedia, and the thrill of winning a rare Sega auction online.
For locals and visitors alike, exploring these stores is a journey into the heart of Mauritian culture. It’s an opportunity to connect with the island’s past through the crackle of a vintage record and to support a growing community of music lovers who keep the analog spirit alive. Whether you’re drawn to the pulsing beats of traditional Sega, the smooth sounds of international jazz, or the rebellious chords of rock and roll, the vinyl record stores of Mauritius offer a rich, resonant, and endlessly fascinating world to explore. So, start digging—your next favorite record is waiting.