Artists – Kalepwa Magazine

How @JaFleuTheArtist Is Helping Palm Beach’s Urban Visual Artists Thrive Through @ExhibitTreal

K St. Fort — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 09:56:34 +0000

Exhibit Treal is coming fast at us…faster than a bright color leaking from an artist’s paint brush. It’s an initiative co-created by the Palm Beach-based visual artist, and art curator known as Jason “JaFleu” Fleurant, and it’s a movement that has urban creatives in the West Palm Beach/South Florida area connecting with one another, while sharing ideas. While it’s being promoted as a creative haven for visual artists, creatives of all passions have been looking towards it as an outlet to filter out promoting strategies, network with other creatives, and publicize their artistic and other endeavors.

So, Jason…Jasun…you’ve been up to so much lately. Let’s start off by discussing the last three paintings you worked on?
Now that’s surprisingly difficult these days. I’ve kinda of took a pretty extended break from painting the last few months to focus on what I’m doing now with Exhibit Treal. But the last three that really stick in my head was these large scale paintings. We’re talking seven feet each.

The first being “Oshun: The Orisha of Love. I just wanted to pay homage to the black goddess, and I used features I loved from various women I’ve dated to create her.

Then there’s “For My Negus with Daughters”, which was basically my ode to black fathers everywhere. Because for myself, I know a lot of men who are real fathers so I wanted to combat the images the we are often shown.

Lastly, there’s another painting, and it’s probably my favorite. [It’s called] “Graduated with Hiii Honors”. At the time, my [social media] timeline was flooded with photos of all these amazing women I knew graduating from colleges, and I wanted to show love to them.

I particularly enjoyed the process of making this one because I painted it outside on my
then-porch when I lived in an artist residency [facility]. We lived in what some call the hood, but to me it was just home. Everyone was cool and they loved to just come see me work. I’d just [leave my] art outside overnight and nothing ever happened to them. It would be more concern of the galleries trying to take it. The best part was seeing how inspiring it was for them all. That inspired me.

Kreyolicious: How did you new initiative Exhibit Treal come about?
I’ve been curating exhibits and art shows for a while. Again, taking it back to the artist residency where I lived. We just took advantage of the four walls of the apartment and them exhibits in there.

Kreyolicious: Catchy name by the way.
Thank you. For some reason, I couldn’t get Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” song out my head. And at this point, my friends and I were saying “treal” a lot ’cause we felt that was another level…something to aspire to. To always be truly real. And I just wanted to focus on exhibits that we felt was treal, so we started calling the shows that, and it stuck.

I wanted to use it as a vehicle to give opportunities for black artists in Palm Beach and further[more as a way] to always give back in some fashion. To me, that’s what’s treal…using the arts to be a factor and make a difference in the community. Things mentally I’ve always already believed and acted on. And the dope thing is other artists believe in it. Particularly Tracy Guiteau…the co-founder. She really just one day said, “I believe in this, and that it can be big.” So we just decided, “Let’s do this,” and here we are several shows later. It’s been crazy—a real blessing from God. We’ve got our motto “Be Safe. Keep what you Kill. Stay Treal”, but I think the thing that really explains our mentality is we say amongst ourselves a quote from the movie Juice: “No one man above the crew”. As long as we all move as a unit, nothing can stop us.

It’s also sort of an artist’s development. Tracy and myself have gotten a lot of knowledge over the years, so we help guide artists we work with best we can…while letting them be themselves and grow naturally.

Above: A JaFleur painting entitled “Graduated with Hiii Honors”.

Kreyolicious: What’s the art scene like in the Palm Beach area?
It’s a mixture of your typical art scene and it’s—I guess—slowly trying to emulate Wynwood in Miami. There’s been a lot of usage of art to gentrify black areas…And I personally just see Exhibit Treal as kind of the clap back to that. We’re just trying to show the Treal side of things while not getting caught up in the bs. I love where I’m from and there’s a lot of talent that needs to be appreciated, but not just visual arts. So, we work to push and promote black art in all ways.

Kreyolicious: What’s your advice to other visual artists…those just starting out?
You’re gonna laugh, but it’s simply to…be safe. Keep what you kill and stay Treal. Always be aware of the situations whether it’s dealing with galleries, collectors or anyone trying to just use you. Always make sure you get the best out of it. Go hard at all times. Leave it all on the floor. A lion doesn’t catch the gazelle to let it go. It keeps what it kills. Always go the extra mile for you and [do] not let anyone take you and your gifts for granted. And lastly, always do what you feel is best and true to who you are and give back. Even if it’s the smallest thing, ripples have long effects.

Kreyolicious: How do you make sure you’re staying on top of your game?
I’d say buy just not trying. I don’t view it as competition anymore. There is more than enough room for everyone. With Exhibit Treal, it’s just a focus on giving your best. I believe that’s what people respect and gravitate towards.

Kreyolicious: What’s next on the horizon?
Only God knows. We are working to put together a Haitian art exhibit among other things. We’ve just started our own book drive which will lead to a book fair and art show where adults are doing book reports. It’s exciting to see grown-ups hype about reading. We’ve things plan as far as youth projects we hope to get off the ground soon…It’s been kinda hectic, but beautiful. I feel I made the right choice backing away from creating art to be able to promote and push other artists. It’s a funny journey for me to sit back and reflect on now as to where we are and going. All praises to The Most High for keeping it treal!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EXHIBIT TREAL BLOG. WANT TO HIRE JASON TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT, OR COMMISSION HIM FOR A PAINTING, OR ART PIECES? CONNECT WITH JAFLEU ON TWITTER|

Haitian Female Artists

K St. Fort — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 07:46:34 +0000

Haitian female artists based in Haiti! Ah! Do you ever feel like diversifying your musical collection? Well, have you thought of putting some artists based in Haiti in the mix? Well, you should. You don’t know who they are? What’s that you said? It’s too much work to have to look for them? Well, guess what? Your ever reliable best friend Kreyolicious decided to do some research for your benefit and present you with a curated list. Some have an R&B vibe, while others swing more towards an Afro-pop sound, or a world-beat tendency.

Let’s do our best to show our support for these female artists in the island motherland in whatever capacity we can. There’s a plan for everyone!

If you can purchase their music from iTunes, CDBaby or Amazon, do so. The links are included with each of these artists, whenever applicable. If you’re not able to, you can always hit them up on their Facebook (or other social media accounts) and send them a lovely message instead. Call it the well-intentioned malerèz do kale plan. Still cool though!

In random order…

1. MIU

Genre: Creole Pop/R&B/World
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Mya, Natalie La Rose, Emeli Sandé
Kreyolicious Says: Throughout the 10+ tracks on her album Unexpected, the songbird is like a skillful welder, who takes R&B, dance music and reggae to formulate a musical style befitting of her enchanting voice.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MIU.

2. PRINCESS EUD

Genre: Rap/R&B
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Lauryn Hill, Ms. Dynamite, Santigold
Kreyolicious Says: Assertive lyrics, ponderous beats, and an arresting visual style all come together to make rapper-singer Princess Eud a singing/rapping house of dynamite.

CLICK HERE TO BUY PRINCESS EUD’S MUSIC ON AMAZON| PRINCESS EUD ON INSTAGRAM | PRINCESS EUD ON TWITTER| PRINCESS EUD ON FACEBOOK

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT PRINCESS EUD.

3. DARLINE DESCA

Genre: Rap/R&B
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Sade, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Goapele
Kreyolicious Says: Darline Desca= very, very strong delivery. As manifested on her song and record A Plain Temps, this singer’s voice is pure gold, with strokes of refined silver, and with a little bit of prime iridium thrown in.

CLICK TO BUY DARLINE DESCA’S MUSIC ON CD BABY, AMAZON, iTUNES | DARLINE DESCA ON TWITTER | DARLINE DESCA ON YOUTUBE | DARLINE DESCA ON INSTAGRAM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A VIDEO OF DARLINE DESCA.

4. TAMARA SUFFREN

Genre: Jazz/Caribbean/World
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Anita Baker, Heather Hadley, Whitney Houston, Laura Izibor
Kreyolicious Says: This Tamara Suffren chick sings with longing and sings her out on every track she sings on. Her vocals on her debut album Lespwa are just plain mesmerizing.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TAMARA SUFFREN’S MUSIC ON AMAZON | TAMARA SUFFREN ON INSTAGRAM | TAMARA SUFFREN ON FACEBOOK|
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAMARA SUFFREN.

5. RUTSHELLE GUILLAUME

Genre: Jazz/R&B/Tropical
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Whitney Houston, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan
Kreyolicious Says: This singer, whose musical style borders on R&B and Creole pop, belts out the songs on her album Emotions with all her heart, soul, and intestines.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTSHELLE.

6. FATIMA ALTIERI

Genre: Caribbean/Creole pop
You should Check Her Out If You Like: Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Ellie Goulding, Ariana Grande
Kreyolicious Says: Very mature vocals coming from this artist as she recounts heartbreak and devastating disappointment in love.

7. QUEEN BEE

Genre: R&B/Caribbean/World
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Kelly Price, Mya, Jessie Ware
Kreyolicious Says: Lovely, lovely vocals that merit an album.

QUEEN BEE ON FACEBOOK | QUEEN BEE ON TWITTER | QUEEN BEE ON INSTAGRAM

CLICK HERE TO READ AN INTERVIEW WITH QUEEN BEE

8. RENETTE DESIR

Genre: Jazz/World
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Corinne Rae Bailey, Esperanza Spalding
Kreyolicious Says: On her album titled Yon Jou, this songstress belts out her songs with conviction, as if someone was lurking on the left side of her shoulder, and her salvation depended on how well she could sing. Whether she’s doing a rendition of Billie Holiday’s classic “Strange Fruit” or crooning traditional songs of Haiti, she’s the business.

CLICK HERE TO BUY RENETTE DESIR’S MUSIC |RENETTE DESIR ON FACEBOOK|

9. MIKAELLE AIMEE CARTRIGHT

Genre: Jazz/World/Caribbean Pop
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Leela James, Emeline Michel, Davina
Kreyolicious Says: A whisper-soft voice, energized delivery that’s just as capable of singing Caribbean pop as it can belt out jazzy numbers.

MIKAELLE CARTRIGHT ON TWITTER | MIKAELLE CARTRIGHT ON FACEBOOK |

10. SHASSY

Genre: Rap/Pop
You Should Check Her Out If You Like: Iggy Azalea, Trina, Azalea Banks, Dej Loaf
Kreyolicious Says: This chick is pure comedy, but beneath all the laughter there’s even slight hints of keen social commentary.

SHASSY ON INSTAGRAM | SHASSY ON TWITTER | SHASSY ON FACEBOOK

[Photography Credit: Rutshelle Guillaume pic: Jean-Robert Duprat/Roroli Photography | Miu Pic: Wisly Herard | Darline Desca Pic: Enoch Bordes | Fatima Altieri pic: Verdy Verna| Renette Desir pic via Michael Woelteche]

So there you have it kreyolicious cheries, Haitian female singers based in Haiti you should be checking out and supporting!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ARTISTS AND CREATIVES EMERGING OUT OF HAITI

Kreyolicious: 5 Socially Conscious Songs By Haitian Artists

K St. Fort — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 01:46:12 +0000

Haitian socially conscious songs!

Kreyolicious playlist time! In which…in which I sit and scour Youtube for days at a time to look for Haitian music songs that fit a particular theme. Today’s theme…socially-conscious songs. Have listened to songs by the Black Eyed Peas where they denounce domestic terrorism, and have listened to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”, and all these urban griot-rappers rap about the hood…Now, it’s time to see, examine and report on what Haitian artists have been up to in that arena…Let’s go, ya’ll…let’s see what’s on the playlist.

1. Kreyolicious Artist/Band: Stanley Georges
Kreyolicious Song: Ou Mechan
Social Issue Tackled>: Statutory rape, pedophilia!
Where It hits Home: The lyrics speak of voluptuous young girls whose figures attract lecherous men. These lecherous men prey on young underage women young enough to be their daughters. Very nice vocals, and the message is very touching.

Kreyolicious Side Note: One of the striking things about this song is the point-of-view. Fingers are not being pointed at the young women as the initiators of these illicit relationships. There’s no victim-blaming, only a call to cease the exploitation of impoverished young women.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS SONG

2. Kreyolicious Artist/Band: Darbenz
Kreyolicious Song: Pa leve Sou Men Li
Social Issue Tackled>: Domestic/relationship violence
Where It hits Home: Well, the lines hit home all over. Someday, I’ll tell you this really lengthy story about how I came across this song, but today, we’ll just cover why it’s on the playlist.

Kreyolicious Side Note: An elaborate story about domestic violence, undocumented immigration, and overall public announcement about the dangers of staying in an abusive relationship. Again, a song whose melody’s so catchy, but not enough to make you forget its message.

3. Kreyolicious Artist/Band: Kompa Kreyol
Kreyolicious Song: Pouki Sa
Social Issue Tackled>: Gun Control
Where It hits Home: A song about a little boy named David who emulates some of the programming he’s seen on TV. He sees his dad’s gun, and thinks that it’s just like one of those contraptions he’s seen on TV. Unable to differentiate between reality and make-believe, David opts for make-believe. Only things is, real life isn’t make-belief. David shoots himself to death.

Kreyolicious Side Note: This song is lovely. Firstly, I haven’t come across a song in Kreyol that treats issues of gun control, and the effects of television on little kids, as well as parental surveillance and the lack of it. David watched shoot ’em ups and cowboy movies. Is that all that’s shown on his TV screen at home? This song also pushes us to look at other issues too…like imported programming from other countries and their effect on developing countries.

Have to also mentioned that this song offers great vocal delivery from the lead singer of this band, and that the issue is treated very, very effectively.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE MUSIC FROM THIS BAND

4. Kreyolicious Artist/Band: Emeline Michel
Kreyolicious Song: Djanie
Social Issue Tackled>: Domestic violence
Where It hits Home: But don’t I already have a domestic violence track on this countdown? Well, it won’t hurt to have another more. What’s more, whereas the other song was told from the point of view of a male, this one is told from the female perspective. It’s a friend talking to a friend, and it’s recounted in a personable way.

Kreyolicious Side Note: The narrator tells Djanie that she’s been there before, so it’s not as if it’s a random person addressing her, but rather someone who knows what it’s like being treated with verbal and physical disrespect.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE MUSIC BY THIS ARTIST

5. Kreyolicious Artist/Band: Krezi Mizik
Kreyolicious Song: Ti Mafi
Social Issue Tackled>: Prostitution
Where It hits Home: All I have to say about this song is…Can I get a podyab for this Ti Mafi person? Lawdie, she has to punch the clock on a nightly basis and she ain’t no night auditor at the Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn. Non! She’s involved in the trading of pleasures of the flesh. Her dad left the house, and she and her mom lives in some shack somewhere in Port-au-Prince with her younger siblings. She’s under electrical poles all night, trying to get herself a client.

Kreyolicious Side Note: This song is so depressing, but I like how the songwriter behind the song put in lines about the need for her to recognize her self-worth, and to get herself out of that career. So, at the end, we are not served with just a song about a young woman whose circumstances induce her into the street thot life, but we are told that soon there’ll be a way out.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE MUSIC FROM THIS GROUP

There you have it folks, Haitian socially-conscious songs written and performed by, well, Haitian artists. Do you have any socially conscious songs by Haitian artists that didn’t make this countdown? What are they? Sound off to your girl Kreyolicious!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY PREVIOUS PLAYLISTS

How Haitian Musical Artists Are Branding Beyond Music

K St. Fort — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 02:44:10 +0000

Exploring Haitian music merchandising! Some Haitian bands and artists are expanding their reach and their business aim by dabbling in things other than music. Join me your favorite chick Kreyolicious as I give a quick survey of Haitian artists and how they’re branding themselves beyond the music world. It’s their way of saying, “Music is business, but there is business beyond the business of music.”

1. A hoodie from the musical group Vogge.

Their line of merchandise also includes tee-shirts and mugs.

2. Haiti rapper Princess Eud has a line of clothing Eud Collection.

The clothing line features for her male and female fans. It’s highly influenced by West African clothing patterns.

In a previous interview with Kreyolicious, the singer said that the clothing line started with the many inquiries she received from fans about her fashion sense and style.

3. Port-au-Prince-based rapper and visual artist Niska with her burgeoning clothing line.

The line includes tees, jackets and hats.

The pieces from the rapper/visual artist’s collection emphasize comfort and cultural awareness.

4. A perfume from Nu-Look and its bandleader.

There is a version for men and for women.

Historically, perfume brands have been one of the primary ways in which musical artists and pop stars expound on their brands.

5. Singer Rutshelle lent her name to these caps.

The caps came in several colors. A photo of the singer sporting the cap, at one time circulated on the internet.

It remains to be seen whether other items will be added to this collection, or if she plans on having a full-pledged clothing line.
Photo Credit: Jeneral Killa

There you have it folks, 5 stellar examples of Haitian music merchandising. In pushing these non-musical items, these artists and bands are taking advantage of business opportunities available to them, expanding their brands, and experimenting with business models beyond the world of music.

One aspect of these ventures that ought to be noted…was whereas in the mainstream a company like Sears teams up with Selena Gomez for her clothing line, a brand like Coty creates perfume brands in collaboration with celebs like Gwen Stefani, and fragrance giant Parlux was involved in the creation of Mariah Carey’s and Rihanna’s perfume lines, these Haitian artists primarily back themselves.

Haiti has big brands like Barbancourt and Couronne, brands so huge that some of us who have yet to go to Haiti, have heard of. Perhaps some of these brands should consider going beyond endorsements and do creative collaborations with these artists.

Just a thought…
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HAITIAN MUSIC!

7 Haitian Male Artists Based In Haiti You Should Be Listening To

K St. Fort — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 01:38:18 +0000

Haitian music playlist…a special edition, featuring Haitian male artists in Haiti! You need to diversify your playlist! Well, go no further than this curated list featuring these male artists based in Haiti from your fave chick Kreyolicious. Let’s check ’em—in no particular order or ranking…(CLICK HERE for the Haitian female artist list!)

1. Wanito

Artist Rundown: Like an alarm clock that goes off every fifteen minutes, Wanito is tangible reminder that Haiti’s got talent, baby. Handy on the guitar, keen with the lyrics, and the melodies, this one-time PeaceTones Awards Winner impresses endlessly with his talent, his musical vision, and artistic prowess. No wonder he recently won the Best Caribbean Artist prize from the African Entertainment Awards this year.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Niall Horan, John Legend, Bryson Tiller, Jonas Blue, Ne-Yo

WANITO ON YOUTUBE| CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE WANITO’S MUSIC ON iTUNES!| WANITO ON AMAZON| WANITO’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE | WANITO ON INSTAGRAM

2. OGUN

Artist Rundown: OGUN takes charm and vulnerability to the streets in several of his songs. For songs like “We Will Rise”, the artist sermonizes on the importance of faith, and bouncing back following earth-shattering tragedies, while with songs like “Strip Tease” ooze with sensuality. He’s not above exposing his sensitive side, and he does so in songs like “Cherie, M’Adore’w” (Bae, I Love You).

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Meek Mill, Jidenna, Casey Veggies, Kent Jones, Jazz Cartier
OGUN’S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE| OGUN ON TWITTER | OGUN ON INSTAGRAM

3. Mikaben

Artist Rundown: A singer-songwriter-producer and record label helmer, singer Mikaben-–alias Mika Benjamin—has an eclectic style that commands multiple listens. From the undeniably poetic “Ayiti Se” (Haiti Is…), the crowning glory of his career thus far, to idealistic ballads like “Sonje”, “Yon Ti Chans”, “S’im Te Gen Zèl” (If I Had Wings), to uptempo tracks such as “Ti Pa’M Nan”, this artist never ceases to impact and impress. A lucrative and career-boosting deal with Warner Music France late this summer will surely take him to new stratospheres.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Justin Beiber, Romeo Santos
CLICK HERE TO BUY MIKABEN’S MUSIC ON CDBABY| iTUNES|AMAZON| MIKABEN’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE| MIKABEN ON FACEBOOK | MIKABEN ON TWITTER

4. BIC

Artist Rundown: Here’s an artist who looks out of life’s window, and writes the realities he sees. From the trash in Port-au-Prince’s slums, to the state of the aged in Haiti, the declining of family values on the island, to near non-existent healthcare, BIC preaches about them all. The artist has performed in Haiti as well as Romania, and Armenia but Haiti is always on his mind. His wordplay with the Haitian Creole language, especially on songs like “Port-au-Prince”, and Lè’M Wè’W”, and is nothing short of genius.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Common, Talib Kweli, Will.i.am, Wale
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BIC’S MUSIC ON AMAZON| BIC ON FACEBOOK | BIC’S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Photo via Konpa in Paris

5. Jean-Jean Roosevelt

Artist Rundown: Sometimes he gets on stages in Port-au-Prince, sometimes he performs at festivals in Switzerland, or perhaps at the L’Aula in Oslo, Norway, but wherever he goes, this artist brings his brand of social engagement with him, along with his guitar. His environmental anthem “J’ai Coeur Ma Planète” (My Planet) draws attention to eco-causes in his native Port-au-Prince, while in “Pinga” (Dare Not), he exhorts all to live their best life.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Earl St. Clair, John Legend, Shi Wisdom, August Rigo
CLICK HERE TO BUY JEAN JEAN ROOSEVELT’S MUSIC ON AMAZON| JEAN JEAN ROOSEVELT ON ITUNES| JEAN JEAN ROOSEVELT ON FACEBOOK

6. JPerry

Artist Rundown: There might be a JPerry track that you can listen to without rising up from your seat, but there aren’t that many. From “Dekole”, to “Enjoy” to “Anyway”, “Ablabla” (Babbling), this prince of moves and grooves has made a career out of making hips sway, heads bob and nod, legs hopping, and fingers tapping. The Baoli Records artist has also demonstrated business sense, having signed a licensing partnership with fitness giant Zumba Enterprises.
You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Bruno Mars, Pitbull, Mark Ronson

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE JPERRY’S MUSIC ON ITUNES| JPERRY ON AMAZON | JPERRY ON INSTAGRAM | JPERRY OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL | JPERRY ON FACEBOOK

7. Izolan
Artist Rundown: Just type Haiti hip-hop in a search engine, and this fella will most likely be the first person who pops up in the top results. It’s not a coincidence, it’s organic popularity. This rapper has his ear plugged in to Haiti’s streets. Whether he’s collaborating with artists like Niska, or Princess Eud, or spitting his rhymes stand-alone-style, this MC delivers life in Haiti raw on wax.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Zoey Dollaz, Bleszt, Drake
IZOLAN ON YOUTUBE| IZOLAN ON ITUNES| IZOLAN ON AMAZON | IZOLAN ON INSTAGRAM | IZOLAN’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

8. Belo
Artist Rundown: There are socially-conscious artists and then there’s Belo. His reggae-inflected ballad “Dlo”, recounts how a father maintains his integrity, and chooses to be oblivious to shady paths to bring food to the table. But the difficulty of a father to make a living isn’t the only subject he examines in his songs. There’s “Istwa Dwòl” (Odd Tale), where he sings about the continued exodus of Haiti’s youths to what they suppose are greener pastures. And when he sings about love as he does on “Claudette” and “Kachiman”, Belo’s voice captures all the authenticity of non-story-book love with his organic world-reggae-soul brand.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Hozier

9. Freedom
Artist Rundown: You know your power and influence as an artist is mountain-solid, when your last full-pledged album was uploaded online more than ten years ago, and folks are still talking about it, singing to it, jamming to it, referencing it, as if you had released it yesterday. Well, that’s the aura that envelops rapper Christopher “Freedom” Laroche, who raps over a beat blend of gospel, hip-hop, and roots. He’s the hip-hop griot who communicates in Creole in songs like “Manman”, “Vizyon”, “Delivre“, and “Bwa Kayiman”. Based in Cap Haitien, he occasionally travels to Los Angeles to man the deal he signed with Universal Records.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT FREEDOM’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL | CLICK HERE TO BUY FREEDOM’S MUSIC ON iTUNES.

10. Mandela
Artist Rundown: His name brings to mind a historical figure in South Africa’s history, his music makes one think of the savannas of West Africa, the songs the African newcomers to colonial Saint-Domingue may have crooned while working on vast sugar fields. In any case, Mandela sings with passion, conviction on songs like “Cindy”, and he’s just getting things rolling.

You’ll Like His Music If You Like: Zak Abel, Raleigh Ritchie, Vicktor Taiwo

There you have it, folks, 10 Haitian Male Artists Based in Haiti you should be listening to, curated by your favorite chick Kreyolicious!

CLICK HERE TO check out other KREYOLICIOUS PLAYLISTS featuring Haitian artists and music! |