(Seychelles News Agency) - Elvis Cesar’s return to the Seychelles is turning into a months-long encore.

After moving to Canada 15 years ago, Cesar returned over the holidays to perform on a one-month contract. But his singing – a ragga style with a blend of Creole spices --  proved to be so popular that he has extended his stay.

“I am a bit surprised by how popular I still am here,” Cesar told SNA in a slightly hoarse voice.

“People love my music because it is different from other Seychellois artists. Because when I made most of my songs I was not in Seychelles so I was not influenced by what was happening in the music industry here,” said Cesar.

Now a resident of Quebec, Cesar says that his Seychellois fans still have a special place in his heart. And the island nation in the western Indian Ocean has kept him busy.

On New Year’s Eve he performed on Seychelles main island, Mahe, at the Tequila Boom in the northern district of Beau Vallon. On Jan. 1 he performed on Praslin Island and on Jan. 2 he performed on La Digue.

Cesar said he will perform another show soon before heading to the studio with local artists to work on a new album. He said fans have shown that they appreciate his music and he will make sure he leaves something for them when he goes back to Canada.

Seychelles raggamuffin artist Elvis Cesar. ( Elvis Cesar) Photo License: CC-BY

“I may also do a few single and a few shows for I already have a dozen songs ready to go,” said Cesar. “Music needs to be put out there where they are loved. They (the Seychellois) seem to like my music so I feel somewhat obligated to leave a few more of my songs behind, in light of their support.”

Despite now living in Canda, Cesar said that “your place of birth remains in your heart.”

The Seychellois artist says it has been difficult to focus on music only in Canada as he needs to have another alterative.

“I happen to know talented musicians and singers in Canada who are very good at what they do, but still cannot make it in music world over there, which is highly competitive,” added the singer.

Many Canada-based Seychellois artists have more success selling their music in Seychelles instead of their adopted country.

“Although my style of music derives from the popular ragamuffin from Jamaica, my music is different type of ragamuffin. It has its own a blend of Creole spices,” says Cesar, who also speaks highly of the sega.

Cesar has released five albums. The first came out in 1995 and the most recent one in 2013.