Passion or Profession: Singer

Period: 1961–1999

Kaya (Joseph Reginald Topize) was best known for his unique music style, “seggae”—a mixture of reggae and a local sound known as sega. However, it was his death in 1999 that brought him the most international fame. He was arrested at a drug-legalization rally. Days later, the singer of African-Indian ancestry died in police custody, sparking three days of riots in the capital city and highlighting racial tensions in the diverse nation.