How to describe the musical style of the artist Wesli Louissaint? It’s a little bit of world, it’s a little bit of roots embedded in funk. Born in Haiti, Wesli is the leader of Wesli Band, and is currently based in Montreal.

The singer-songwriter-producer has thus far released two albums Kouraj (Courage) and Liberté Dans Le Noir (Freedom in the Dark). His songs are filled with hope, though they tend to bewail lamentable social conditions.

His work has not gone unnoticed. Wesli won the Galaxie Rising Star Award London three years ago, and a year before that won two prestigious musical awards—Prix Babel Med Music France 2010, Révélation Radio-Canada.

So, when you were eight years old, you built your own guitar. Tell us about that!

I was inspired by my father who had an old guitar that he hung high up on the wall. I wanted to touch it and take it down, but there was no question about it, I wasn’t allowed. On Sundays, my father played music in a group of troubadours to make a living. I was inspired by his guitar and so I built my own with an oil can and some nylon fishing lines. This is how I began to play in the little church that my mother ran at the time.

And your bio says that you were part of a band…a band called SoKute. Tell us about that experience.

When I was a teenager in the Protestant church, I touched a little bit on everything, such as music production, voice, guitar, percussion, etc…I was part of many small groups like Top Digital with Maestro Hanz Mercier—today known as Kréyol La—Nice with Pascal Laraque and Gilbert Ravix—currently in Mizik Mizik—Sakad, Kid Coupé, etc…But I wanted to play a different kind of music. I was already playing all styles—jazz, R&B, soul, reggae, rock, and roots. Eventually, I was given the roles of guitarist, composer, backup vocalist and musical director for the group SoKute with Steve Khe—today working with Djakout Number One—which was a new trend of Rock, Soul, and Roots in Haiti in the late 90’s. With them, my international career took off—Francofolies of Montreal, Roots and Culture Miami, etc…I entered a more serious phase of my career when I was later hired as the guitarist for Nuit des Sirènes (‘Night of the Sirens’), Kreyol Mizik by Yole Dérose and Carl Henry Desmornes. I was accompanying renown Creole artists such as Sonia Dersion, Thierry Cham, Edith Lefele, Léa Galva, Léila Chico, Eric Virgal, Jacky Rapon, Monique Seka, etc…After that, I decided to move to Canada to continue my studies in music.

What caused you to become taken by the guitar, of all instruments?

The guitar was everywhere when I was a child. I played a bit of everything because music in general fascinated me. But every time I touched an electric or acoustic guitar, something very emotive and virtuoso would emerge. Audiences encouraged me to play more often. With time, I understood the value of the instrument. Everything I wanted to do on other instruments, I could do on the guitar. It was easy to write with and to accompany myself on. Percussive, groovy and rhythmic. The guitar became my principal instrument. But at all my shows, I always touch the percussion as well.

What does music mean to you?

To me, music is a way to express my emotions and my thoughts. It is my therapy. It shows me how to live, and it is the future for Wesli and his family.

What’s it like having your own band?

I’m very very lucky that I have the freedom to have my own band. I have complete control over my music, I compose the melodies for all the instruments, and I do all of the arrangements. It doesn’t happen often that labels who sign artists internationally give them this freedom. Except Wyclef. He had that chance.

Your debut album was called Kouraj. How did that album take shape?

It was not easy. Kouraj made me break through the ice. This album taught me about the music industry and marked the beginning of my career. Although the majority of the songs were already written in my Haiti days, where I struggled through a hard life in the Port-of-Prince ghetto where I grew up, it took me 8 years of experience in Canada, including my studies, to understand and be ready to face this new world. I learned a lot about the industry here thanks to my work accompanying artists like Corneille, Gage, and Lorraine Klaasen. Kouraj is also a message of hope to the Haitian people, and to all those who come from far, who have had to face tough times in their lives.

Throughout it all, how did your parents feel—about the fact that you were so drawn to music?

Like all Haitian parents, they sometimes associate music with drugs and alcohol, which is a big misunderstanding. At the beginning, they thought I was crazy. So I used to hide to go and practice. My mother wanted me to only sing gospel. They absolutely wanted me to go to university. But in the 90’s, the economy in Haiti was suffering enormously from political problems. So my parents couldn’t push me any further after my secondary school studies. They had no choice but to let me go.

You’re constantly on tour. What’s the most memorable place you’ve been to?

There are many moments that have left their imprint on me—such as my concert at the Doc du Sud in Marseilles in the south of France—where I won the Babel Med Music France award, as well as my three performances at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and others.

Gives us a behind the scenes look in the making of your album Liberté Dans Le Noir.

For the album Liberté Dans Le Noir, it was very spontaneous. When I won the prize from Radio Canada Revelation of the Year (CBC), they gave me three days in the most sophisticated studio in Canada, Studio 12. I wasn’t used to working in a studio with equipment I wasn’t familiar with, so I was exploring all kinds of things. Songs were being created in the studio from a bass line, or guitar, or piano that I started to play. I remember that we didn’t know where we were going, but I wanted to have new experiences. When I finished writing the music, there were no lyrics yet, just “La la la”. At the end, Tiken Jah Fakoly, ‘Mes Aieux’ and myself started writing on the sofa there on scraps of paper. Nothing was finished and everyone was leaving on tour. At that point, Tiken Jah left for tour to France, and it was there that he finished writing his part, me also finished writing in my tour bus.

What words of wisdom would you like to share to someone who wants to embark on a musical career?

One piece of advice I would give to those who want to make a career in music is to be patient. The industry is changing a lot, which diminishes the chances of succeeding, even if you have talent. Be fiercely independent, play one or more instruments. Be capable of doing everything on your own. This will simplify your life.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

In April 2013, I was on tour with Les Alliance Françaises, and went to Cap Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Les Cayes, Port-of-Prince, Saint Marc, Pétion Ville and Delmas.

What should your fans expect from you next?

I would like to thank Kreyolicious for this interview. I think of my fans a lot, a whole lot—especially when it comes to my new songs that they cherish and the well thought-of lyrics I thought of for them. And I won’t forget the promise I made. I’m going to be performing in Ottawa—CDA—at Bascoche in Gatineau, as well as Richemond, and the Imperial in Quebec, at MCF in Montreal, and in Toronto and Chattam. And I’m going to be touring Nova Scotia in the March. Visit my website often to get all the latest information.

Just like I had promised, I have two albums that are going to be released in Canada and in France this year—one in Creole in my mother and father’s tongue, and second one that’s going to be in French and in English. I’m going to have a lot of featured artists on these albums. My fans, I love you all—I love you very much. I’m coming. Big up! Kinbe Rèd, pa Lage [Hold on tight, don’t let go].

Get to know Wesli and Wesli band a bit better. Visit the singer’s website by CLICKING HERE. Check out his CDs on iTunes.

If you’d like to compare New York-based Oxygen Box Band to another group from music history, Black Eyes Peas would probably be the group that you comes to mind, followed by City High. When compared to Fergie and Claudette Ortiz, Oxygen Box Band leading lady Natalie has this nearly nun quality to her though. When she sings lead on the song “Close to You”, it’s almost as if she were crooning the verses of a gospel track. Her voice is passionate, as if she’s singing a modulated version of some hardcore Negro spiritual, and not a love song. Yet, the reggae and R&B influence is sprinkled all over their musical notes, like chia seeds on an organic cake. And there’s a bit of Haitian konpa additives thrown in. This is specially apparent on the soca-soaked track “Se Ou Mwen Vle” (It’s You That I Want).

The on-stage chemistry that the songstress has with bandmates Malvo, Wilson is amazing, especially when viewing videos of their live performances at venues like the Shrine in Harlem. As Natalie holds up her handS, prayer-like, her bangles slide down her wrist. Malvo is on guitar, and takes over on the mic at one point, doing Wyclef to her Lauryn, while another female singer, a second guitarist and a keyboard player do their thing.

Kreyolicious: Who makes up Oxygen and how did you meet one another?
Oxygen Box Band is made up of lead vocalist and keyboardist, Natalie Alese, lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Stanley Chery and lead guitarist Malvo 509. We met each other after preforming at an open-mic event in Bloomfield, NJ in 2010. A discussion after the show lead to songwriting collaborations and performances that started us on the road to where we are today.

Kreyolicious: How did you come up with the name?
The original name for the band was Fresh Air. Although the name was fitting as our music has often been labeled a “breath of fresh air”, this was a very common name. Being an uncommon and unique band, it was only fitting that the name be modified. This is why Malvo 509 came up with the name Oxygen Box.

Kreyolicious: Which bands, and of course artists, have been the most influential in molding Oxygen Band’s style?
Songwriting within Oxygen Box Band is collaborative, so the artists that influence Oxygen Box Band’s style are the artists that have most influenced each core member of the band. These artists include Bob Marley and the Wailers and India Arie among many others.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about some of your songs.
Oxygen Box Band is more than music, it’s a movement, and so our songs reflect that theme. We have a song called “Music For the Rebels” that speaks of a change needed in our society and encouraging those who recognize it to take action. We believe that positive vibes are nourishment for the soul, so we have songs like “Close To You” that are just feel-good [type of songs]. As a conscious band, we bring awareness to specific issues like the earthquake that occurred in Haiti in 2010 with the songs like “Amen”. We love to turn up the energy in the crowd and get people moving, dancing and celebrating life with songs like “Pump it Up”, or “Se Ou Mwen Vle”.

Kreyolicious: Being part of a group means being part of a collaborative effort. How do you make sure that all the voices in the band are heard?
In addition to rehearsal, we also have meetings in which we review and discuss the progress of the band as well as make plans for the future.

Kreyolicious: What does Oxygen plan to accomplish over the course of its duration as a band?
Oxygen Box Band is here to have a positive impact on the world. As the title of our first EP suggests, we do soul surgery. We plan to reach people across the world in order support, unite and encourage through music.

Kreyolicious: What would you say has been the most memorable moment of being a member of Oxygen?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific moment, but any time we see evidence that someone in the audience is better after the show than they were before it, it’s a great moment.

BUY OXYGEN BOX BAND’S MUSIC ON iTUNES | ON GOOGLE PLAY FOLLOW THE GROUP’S JOURNEY ON FACEBOOK | OXYGEN BOX BAND ON YOUTUBE

Infertility is the big story in Haitian band Gabel’s latest song “PKFP”, the acronym for Pa Ka Fè Pitit (Can’t Birth Babies). What a great idea! And how brave of this band to come forward with a song on this sensitive, nearly taboo subject in some circles and communities.

Turns out that infertility is becoming a major preoccupation even for people in their twenties and thirties! According to WCNC.com, more and more Millennial-aged women are freezing their eggs, and women are getting married later and later in life, and putting off having children. The fear of infertility is so strong, The Knowridge Science Report stated that more employers are offering egg freezing as a health benefit for their employees.

What Gabel has done essentially, has been to take this increasing problem and turn it into a sort of anthem–albeit private anthem. Will this song be a dancefloor hit? Or will it be one of those songs that couples comfort themselves with in the privacy of their homes? There’s this stigma with infertility and all.

I could not help but be reminded of another song called “Pitit Deyò”, that figured on my list of Top Haitian Music Baby Mama Drama songs. People may sing and dance along to “Pitit Deyò” in public, but I wonder if they will embrace “PKFP” the same way. The difference between “Pitit Deyò” (The Sidechick’s Kid) and “PKFP” is that the narrator for the first mourns over circumstances (illigimacy) beyond his or her control, and whereas “PKFP” is even more personal. When you listen to the lyrics, there’s some undercurrents of self-blame even.

In the video for the track, director ISmittyProduce gives us a shot of a crushed baby girl’s cup, and a weathered, beatdown book that looks like it may have been a pregnancy or expectant parent guide in dryer days. Then in-between scenes of the wifey delivering the news of infertility to the guy, we see a First Reader-type-of-book in flames. Some powerful visual metaphors.

It would have been even better to put a male and a female infertility storyline side-by-side to emphasize that infertility can stem from both sides. Have to mention though…the female lead in the video has a very supportive husband. He didn’t accompany her to the clinic to help her take in the infertility diagnosis, but at least he’s doing his share of chores in the house!

The main message of this song is that it takes a great many sacrifices to sustain true love. It may mean keeping your work, remembering your vows, even if this may mean never procreating with the person you love.

This band really went went out of their element for this track. So, like, bravo, and major—actually thunderous—applause for Gabel.

Have you heard the Gabel PKFP song? What did you think of it?

CLICK HERE to buy Gabel PKFP and other music from this band! CLICK HERE to read previous articles on this band!

The Haitian music world woke up with the news that Co-lead singer Regi “Regi Muzik” Toussaint, and Haitian band T-Vice had parted ways. Both parties issued out statements, with Regi Muzik graciously thanking T-Vice for providing him with a great opportunity, and T-Vice thanking the singer for his services and wishing him well on all his future endeavors. The T-Vice family not too long ago released an album with Regi Muzik as co-lead singer entitled Nou Toujo Pi Fò.

It all started with a simple yet earth-shaking sentence on Instagram for T-Vice fans: “I am no longer part of T-Vice Band”.

The singer later posted a more elaborate note, stating that he would now concentrate on finishing his business degree. He’s in his last semester in undergrad, and was balancing school with his T-Vice singer responsibilities. While it isn’t yet clear what he’s going to undertake next, he does have booking information details in his Instagram bio.

Fans on social media have been speculating as to why the separation took place.

In a video that Roberto Martino, band founder and co-lead singer of T-Vice released, he stated that Regi Mizik was dismissed as part of a “business decision”. He further stated that the T-Vice staff management had requested that Regi Muzik make some “adjustments” to his stage presence, make it more dynamic. But according to Martino, the singer didn’t do so to their satisfaction, and he and his fellow founders and management staff felt that they couldn’t give him any additional time to fit in with the group’s style.

As for Regi Mizik himself, other than stating that he was no longer with the band, he didn’t indicate why the T-Vice chapter came to and end.

According to comments on social media, some felt that Regi Mizik’s romantic and mellow style did not fit in with T-Vice’s more rambunctious style. But, it had seemed to most observers that Regi was easing his way quite well into T-Vice’s musical format, and was at least bringing in something new. He certainly had the vocal talent to succeed as a member of the band. The aforementioned album Nou Tounen Pi Fò, featured him singing lead on several tracks, including the gorgeous ballad “Èske”, was released about a year ago. Was a year sufficient time to allow Regi to be fully molded into a T-Vicer?

Prior to joining T-Vice, Regi Mizik was a member of the group Enposib. That band recently released an album. Will Regi Mizik rekindle that musical link? It would seem to most that the Enposib band is well-settled and have come into their own since then. Would they rule out bringing Regi Mizik back in?

But then again, perhaps the Enposib chapter is a chapter that Regi is well over. Will he finish his degree, take some take to contemplate, as he stated, and then form his own group?

Photo Credit: Regi “Regi Muzik” Toussaint during a performance with the group T-Vice. Oli Photographie

As for T-Vice, there’s been some industry speculation that they may either continue without a second lead singer, or bring back Olivier Duret, a former member of T-Vice. But Duret has also turned the T-Vice chapter, having started his own band Dat7.

Above: Regi Muzik performing with the T-Vice crew at a music festival. Photo Credit: Jessie Al-Khal Instagram

Some have called Regi’s inclusion in T-Vice an experiment. Is T-Vice willing to do additional experiments? Bring in another singer? Bring in a female singer?

The future of both parties is brighter than Miami city lights. Regi Muzik seems to have a great mind for lyrics, but also also has great business acumen. From Smokey Robinson and the Miracles to modern times, it isn’t the first time a singer has parted ways with a band, and it certainly won’t be the last. It’s vital that Regi Muzik ponders very deeply on his next move, and seek out astute advisors before making his next move.

T-Vice recently celebrated their 25th year of existence on the Haitian music scene, a very significant milestone. It will be interesting to see where both parties head next.

[Main photo Credit: Ayiti Biyografi]

The band Carimi broke up last July after fifteen years of existence. But what has the former Carimi band members been up to since then? This is life after Carimi…

Above: The triumvirate when the band was active.

Co-lead singer Richard Cave has since launched Kai, with himself as lead singer. The band has released a ballad “Malad” that set off a great deal of buzz. The band has had several premieres in cities like New York and Miami. Haitian music pundits are expecting Kai to release an album by mid-spring.

Then-bandmates Carlo Vieux and Richard Cave pose together for a photo during a performance in the Ivory Coast.

Many fans had assumed he had thrown in the towel, but in an interview with Kompa Magazine, a Haitian music website, Carimi co-lead singer Mickael Guirand revealed that this speculation had been false. Haitian music observers have been speculating as to whether he’ll be starting a band of his own or joining an existing one. As of this writing, no official announcement has been made in regards to Guirand’s musical destination. [Photo Credit: Olie Photography]

Member Carlo Vieux was at first expected to join Richard Cave in a Carimi rebirth, but this isn’t what happened. Vieux initially said in interviews that he was going to devote his time to his family, but later announced that he would join the Miami-based band 5Lan. According to his social media bio, Vieux has also made strides as an entrepreneur outside of music. He is the president of a health consultancy company.

The one-time Carimi band members have chosen to follow different musical paths. May they all reach their individual goals.

So, this is your rundown of how former Carimi band members are faring and what they’ve been up to! Feel free to share your thoughts.

Dance hall Creole duo Vogge released an EP recently containing the song “Back to Back”. The musical style of the duo is quite rambunctious. This rowdiness and playfulness manifests in their music video for the track.

The four-track EP entitled The Lust Edition, also has its share of love songs, or should I say anti-love songs. The track “No Love”, for instance, has one of the narrators telling his girl, “Don’t wait on me”, as he chooses to chase and idolize money, power and trifling pursuits instead.

The aforementioned “Back to Back” outlines the adage, “One day for the hunter and a day for the prey”. It’s all about how your actions can catch up to you, and the fact that there’s going to be a day of triumph and a day of malediction for all.

Undoubtedly the most heavy-hitting track on the EP, “Places” plays with a little bit of everything. One can note the base reggae sound of the band, but there’s also some Haitian pop thrown in there, and even West African rhythms. The lyrics are more substantial.

There’s also this other track “Do Ba”. It surpasses “Back to Back” in terms of partying spirit. I can see folks at a contemporary nightclub jamming to this for sure. The lyrics are so very catchy, that one wonders if there’s a dance to go with the song.

Vogge’s sound is rather different from the Haitian bands I’ve listened to. The heavy leaning towards dance hall, and the blending of world sounds, including R&B. They seem to have a thing for experimentation. Now, according to the band’s website, this is its second EP. If a full-pledged album is what’s next on their plate, following the direction of “Places” will take Vogge to more places.

This has been yet another edition of KREYOLICIOUS music, brought to you by your favorite chick KREYOLICIOUS!

VOGGE MUSIC EVERYWHERE!

Be sure to check out Vogge’s website by going here!

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Check out one of their music videos below: