DRAGONS
- Categories:
- Africa
- Republic of Mauritius
1959 - 1970s
Dragons was a prominent Mauritian record label based in Port Louis, the capital city. Established in the late 1950s, it played a pivotal role in promoting sega music—a genre deeply rooted in the island's cultural heritage. Sega, also known as tchiega, chéga, or tsiega, is often regarded as a distant cousin of the blues, reflecting the rich tapestry of African, European, and Indian influences that define Mauritian music.
The label's inaugural release dates back to 1959, featuring 78rpm records. As the music industry evolved, Dragons transitioned to 45rpm formats in the early 1960s, aligning with global trends and catering to the growing demand for more accessible music formats. Throughout its active years, which extended into the 1970s, Dragons was instrumental in recording and distributing the works of numerous sega artists, thereby preserving and popularizing this unique musical style.
Notably, Dragons collaborated with Decca Records in England for the production of its records. The original recordings were made in Mauritius and then pressed by Decca for export back to the island, ensuring high-quality production standards. This partnership facilitated the dissemination of Mauritian music beyond local shores, contributing to a broader appreciation of sega.