Demaïko Raboude: His Cover of 'Saiyaara' Creates a Sensation!

Demaïko, whose real name is Marco Antoine Raboude, is back with a Mauritian Creole cover of a popular Hindustani hit. This time, he has adapted the title track from the successful film 'Saiyaara.' The 27-year-old artist has plans for three more new songs in the coming months, including one in Bhojpuri.

Since its release on September 14, the teaser for his cover of 'Saiyaara' has already garnered 4.1K reactions and 253,000 views on Facebook. "San twa lavi pa parey," sings Demaïko Raboude in this Mauritian Creole version, which includes a few lines in Hindustani. The song is available on the singer's YouTube channel.

Marco Antoine Raboude, 27, did not anticipate that his cover of 'Saiyaara' would resonate so deeply with Mauritians. As a Computer Attendant at a college in Rivière-du-Rempart, he is no stranger to adapting Hindustani songs into Mauritian Creole. Last year, he released 'Pehle Bhi Main' (from the film Animal), which has accumulated 32,000 views on YouTube. In 2023, he had already performed a cover of 'Maan Meri Jaan' (by King and Nick Jonas).

"Since I was a child, I've loved singing the Hindustani songs that play repeatedly on the radio. I would hum them while walking to the shop, and those who knew me would always encourage me to sing, giving me Rs 5 in return," recalls the resident of Vuillemin, Quartier-Militaire.

Marco Raboude, whose parents are of Rodriguan descent, has had a passion for music since kindergarten. He was often invited to perform at musical events. He also dabbled in slam poetry and was part of a group of friends who enjoyed singing in the neighborhood. He ended his schooling after Form 5 to pursue music solo. "My preferred styles are zouk and RnB. I also dabble in séga," he confides.

He sometimes writes his own songs. In 2017, Marco Antoine Raboude released his first title, 'Kot L’amour.' In 2018, one of his songs was featured in the compilation 'Révélation' by producer Joyce Veerasamy. The young artist draws inspiration from his surroundings and societal topics. "I mainly work on my lyrics between 9 PM and midnight, as everything is serene and calm during those hours, allowing me to concentrate better," he says.

He also performs at events, including weddings. His repertoire is eclectic, ranging from séga to Hindustani songs.

By the end of the year, Demaïko Raboude plans to collaborate with Reunionese artist Harmonie, as well as release a séga and a Bhojpuri song.

Additionally, Demaïko Raboude and his partner are already parents of two children and are expecting their third.