Portrait: Jos and Jess: Singing 'Ambalaba'

Claudio Veeraragoo is credited with composing the internationally renowned sega song Ambalaba in 1966. I had the privilege of experiencing the lively essence of this simple yet vibrant piece of music, which has since become a classic in the Mauritian music scene. This moment occurred during the inaugural edition of Sugar Time at the estate, where artisan Jayram delightfully repeated the line ‘To manz mo salad ambalaba’. We young boys couldn't help but cheer and whistle every time he concluded the verse with ‘ambalaba’.