Fernand has just released a 4th album with his group: Nout Kalité.  "Although having worked in mainland France for 25 years, I remained faithful to the Réunionese music, despite the zouk being requested by producers." Whilst working part-time in the entertainment industry, Fernand is also a controller at the Chaban Delmas stadium: "I am a member of the Girondins club in Bordeaux and I go to all their matches."       

Where do you come from in Réunion Island?
I was born in the area of Lavoir in Saint-Pierre.  Then, we moved to the SIDR Waterfront.  I lived with our mother, my six brothers and my sister.  I played with Fred Taquet, a great musician!  I first played the guitar at the age of 12 and I listened to Mauritian capriccio music.  

What made you leave the island?
In the 70s-80s, Réunion Island was not as developed as it is now.  One had to leave if one wanted to succeed. My older brothers had already left.  They found true happiness.  Today, Réunion Island is developed.  People have everything they need in order to succeed.    

Tell us about your life in mainland France.
I was called up for military service in Eastern France and I did not want to come back at the end of my service.  I know mainland France better than I know Réunion Island.  Back at home, I could not afford to go sightseeing.  Here, I have settled down in several cities and villages.  With the group, we travel across all of mainland France. I lived in Trappes for some times with my family.  Then I went to the Dordogne where I stayed with friends.  Finally, I settled in Bordeaux.  I have been living there for the last 25 years.   

Tell us about your music.
I learnt about Jazz at the CIAM school in Bordeaux over a three year period.  I joined several music groups in the area as a bass player and played on different stages.  I was fortunate to play several first parts for Kassav, Simon Jurade, Tania Sinville, Baster, Rigo Ruiz and Cheb Mami.  I remained faithful to Réunionese music despite the zouk being requested by producers.      

Do you have any contact with the Réunionese?
I keep in touch with Réunionese associations based in mainland France for whom I have already played.  I still have a few friends on the island, as well as a sister and two nieces: I call them regularly in order to know how they are doing.  As far as music is concerned, André Maurice from RFO keeps me up to date about various events.  A small anecdote: my sister and the mother of Meddy Gerville are great friends.  In 2003, I was passing through Réunion Island and I talked to my sister about a great musician who plays the keyboard.  She replied "Meddy I know him!"  She picked the phone and called Meddy.  Five minutes later, he turned up on his bike holding two albums!  We talked about music.  Today, two of my former musicians play for him: Jim Célestin, the saxophonist and Jérome Calsiné, the percussionist.  The world is small!          

What are your forthcoming projects?
Give concerts in Réunion Island.  It would be the culmination of all the creative and artistic work concerning my origins and my roots as well as the fulfillment of a dream: to play in My "country."

What do you miss from Réunion island?
My family, my friends and smelling and tasting local products 

How do people view Réunion Island where you live?
They often ask me what I'm doing here.  I have noticed that Réunion Island has a good image of itself in the region at the moment.

What are your views on the region where you live and its inhabitants?
Very positive indeed.  I live in a very pleasant region, near the ocean, close to Spain, a very touristy area.  I've made a name for myself with my musical group.  When I'm not playing the music, I am a controller at the Chaban Delmas stadium.  I am a member from the Girondins in Bordeaux and I go to all their matches.      

Do you have a message for the Réunionese?
I advise them to dare to show what they are they capable of.  I would also like to publicise and promote our music and our last album "Nou Kalité."  Joel Gonthier, a great percussionist, plays in our group.  He is invaluable for the local music. I am looking for a drummer who knows how to play the sega, the zouk, the salsa and the reggae (especially the compound).    

Interview extracted from the website www.reunionnaisdumonde.com