The Gouzous

The Gouzous

The Saint-Denis audio-guided tour draws your attention to a piece of street art: a small yellow character called a Gouzou. You will often come across them during your visit to the island, so emblematic has this figure become of the Reunionese urban landscape.

A signature of Reunionese street art

The name Gouzou comes from a Reunionese expression meaning the people. Although faceless, these small yellow characters are very expressive and staged in unusual places, where they address the passer-by with humour and kindness. They were born from the imagination of the graffiti artist Jace, an artist from Le Havre who lives and works on Reunion, and whose work is internationally recognised.

What there is to see

The Gouzous hide just about everywhere on the walls of Saint-Denis and the island, often in unexpected places, and play with their surroundings to convey a humorous message. It is on Reunion that you find the most of them: searching for them quickly becomes a treasure hunt that pleasantly accompanies the discovery of the city.

Practical information

The Gouzous can be seen freely, during the walk through the streets of Saint-Denis and everywhere on the island. There is no specific site or schedule: you just need to keep an eye on the walls, facades and corners of the town centre to spot them.

What does the word Gouzou mean ?

It comes from a Reunionese expression meaning the people; these faceless yellow characters embody the human with humour.

Who is the creator of the Gouzous ?

They are the work of the graffiti artist Jace, from Le Havre, who lives and works on Reunion and exhibits around the world.