Wikimizik ranks as the fastest-growing Haitian music lyrics sites on the web. Started by two friends Darryl Dieudone and Guignard Vilmar, and later joined by a third entrepreneur Sergio Seide, Wikimizik features lyrics transcriptions of hundreds of Haitian konpa songs. Like its mainstream counterpart RapGenius, Wikimizik is slowly but surely hopping and changing lanes in terms of what it has to offer to users. And like other websites like Pogasa (for Korean pop lyrics), and Don Quijote (Latino music lyrics) that feature non-English lyrical sites, Wikimizik finds itself being very much in demand, and highly-trafficked by users in its niche target market.
Previously, the two original co-founders shared their thoughts about Wikimizik. Now it’s Sergio Seide, the third co-founder, who’s in the hot seat. Sergio contends that he’s been fascinated with how things work ever since he was a little boy. This curiosity led him to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. When he’s not taking care of Wikimizik business, he works as a Business Systems Analyst at one of the biggest healthcare systems in Florida.
But now on to Wikimizik business…
Kreyolicious: What made you come aboard as a key player in the organization?
Well, for me it was an easy decision. For a long time, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to build something. I’ve had many great ideas, but never made the final push to bring them to life. Once Guignard and Darryl extended the invitation, it was a no brainer.
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to teams and partners who are trying to launch?
I think one of the key things is to make sure you do your research. Extensive research is a great way to protect your ideas, time and money. Also, make sure everything is on paper. Believe in the goals of the company and be committed.
Kreyolicious: Where do you see Wikimizik five years from now?
We’re constantly brainstorming on how to improve and extend the brand. There are so many things in the pipeline. I can’t share them just yet.
Kreyolicious: What’s your favorite song by a Haitian artist…lyrically-speaking?
This is a tough question. I can only list one?
Kreyolicious: Yeah…
My brother is an artist. Would it be biased if it’s one of his songs?
Kreyolicious: Of course not!
My all-time favorite: “Ou se Frè m” [You’re My Bro] by Joel Decat. “Nou pa t sot nan menm ren/ Nou pa t bwè nan menm sen / Nou pa t konn fè menm tyas / Ni pot menm kalbas” [We didn’t come from the same loins/We didn’t get breastfed by the same breasts/We never had the same haircut/Or held out the same cup]. Thank you so much for your time. Not only for this interview, but for what you Kreyolicious is doing for our community.
