Saint Firmin Monestime was born in Cap Haitien, Haiti and went on to become Canada’s first black mayor in 1963, following a distinguished career as a doctor in Haiti and in the city of Mattawa, Canada. After serving two terms in that office, Monestime died in 1977, survived by his wife Zena and their four children, and another set of kids from a previous marriage to Nelly Bonhomme.

Vala Monestime Belter, his daughter, had a chat with Kreyolicious.com regarding her late father.

How do you remember your father?

I remember a man who laughed, was generous, kind, loved learning and worked long hours. He loved to danced. He loved his family. Thirty five years after his death, people still talk about him and remember him as their doctor, their mayor and their friend. They say good things. I realize how blessed I am to be his daughter. Not everyone gets affirmative “hugs” about their dad throughout their life.

What do you think his legacy is?

He left behind a nursing home for the frail and elderly which has also been the economic powerhouse for our small community. He gave this town pride in that a white Canadian community elected a black mayor in the days that their southern neighbor was still persecuting their fellow man, just because he was black!

Did he ever return to Haiti?

He had purchased a plane ticket to return to Haiti just before his son died—February 19, 1976. He never returned.

What are some of the memories he shared with you about Haiti?

He said it was the most beautiful country on earth. He played the songs of Guy Durosier…En Haiti, ahhhh comme il fait doux…[In Haiti, how sweet it is] wow, I love those words.

You can order Where Rivers Meet, the biography of Saint Firmin Monestime by Doug Mackey by clicking here!

The funkadelik, laid-back style of Static Gold has made the group one of the hottest Montreal-based bands in Canada. Members Zaya Solange, Samuel Chacp Khon and Daniel Pombo were setting the music scene abuzz even before the band’s debut album Speaking Easy was released late last month.

Zaya Solange, the female lead of the band was born in New York of a Haitian mother. Her lively stage presence is one of the attracting points of Static Gold. Performing the “Tango into Django” on stage, the vocalist sings like she’s the goddaughter of Ella Fitzgerald and dances with the energy of a Tina Turner. Her voice takes on jazz, funk, and R&B on songs like “Sit Back”—without missing a beat.

Zaya Solange and the other members of the trio initially got together in 2012, and fans waited patiently but eagerly for the band’s first album. For Speaking Easy, the vocalist and her team worked with drummer Louis Souverain bassist Thomas Viardot and flutist-saxaphonist Beth Mckenna as well as seasoned musicians Christopher Vincent, Kaz Takasugi, Chris Maskell, Michael Hsu and George Doxas.

Zaya Solange had a convo with Kreyolicious regarding the album and leading the band and of course the album Speaking Easy.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an artistic person. I love all things that contribute to the world’s beauty, which is one of the reasons why I feel so blessed to be able to make music and share that joy with people. And though I’m really outgoing and love partying with friends, I enjoy solitude surrounded by nature. I like to diversify my experiences. It helps in terms of songwriting and makes life that much more fun.

Music is obviously a big deal in your life. How did the love for it come about?

The love for music was innate for me. I’ve sung ever since I can remember. The first time I sang in front of people was on my very first birthday. I had a mic and everything! My mom still has pictures to prove it.

You are the only girl in the band, what’s it like?

Actually, that has changed recently when Beth Mckenna joined the group as saxophonist. However, I must say working with a mostly male group is quite natural as I’m the youngest of five kids and the only girl. It’s something I hadn’t really considered until I noticed that I was the only one who kept a shirt on during rehearsal when it got really hot during the summer.

Hah. And now for a scenario that could very well happen: after a Static Gold concert, a fan who is also an aspiring singer approaches you. She wants to be just like you and ask for pointers. What would you say to her?

I’d just tell her to continue doing what she loves. To keep in mind that it can be tough at times, but that it is worth it if it truly is a passion. It is important to build thick skin because we are faced with so much criticism, especially when fronting a band. I’d tell her to take the criticism with a grain of salt and use it as a springboard to achieve new heights and perfect the craft. In the end, you just have to stay true to yourself. Authenticity is key; there is no point in trying to be like someone else.

Which musical era has had the most profound effect on you?

Wow, I can’t think of a particular era but it would mostly be between the 1920s and 1990s. There has been so much great music produced in every one of those decades in different genres, it would be hard to choose one.

And any artists in particular?

As for artists, that’s a tough one too. I grew up listening to my mom’s music, so I sang along to Prince, Patti Labelle, Marvin Gaye, Ashford & Simpson to name a few. When I grew old enough to choose my own music, I added artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to the Fugees. I love all music as long as it’s good.

As the face of the band, and its reigning queen, your face and body are always in the spotlight, always under scrutiny. How does that feel?

I used to be a ballerina, so I am used to someone telling me to change something about something. The least positive thing I’ve been told was to show more “underboob” [Laughs] and the most positive was that my legs can compete with Tina Turner’s. So far, so good!

A ballerina. How cool. Have you felt beautiful all your life?

I think that would be impossible considering that beauty is so subjective and is quite a complex concept. Of course I’ve felt insecure growing up—like any other teen and some people actually told me bluntly that I was ugly, but I’ve learned to disregard naysayers. And when I looked at myself in the mirror while dancing ballet, I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world! Even if my instructor thought I had “bad feet” and too big of a derriere. I also noticed growing up that aesthetically pleasing people aren’t always pleasant and therefore kind of ugly. If you are a good person and are happy in your everyday life, it shows. As some say, “A happy girl is a pretty girl”.

What’s next for you and your band?

Hopefully, the moon! People from various cultures really seem to respond to our music so I hope we can travel around and share our music with our fans across the pond. We [have released ] our debut album. To me, it feels like a great start for our journey towards playing on an international platform. Perhaps we can start with our hometowns; Dan is from Colombia, Sam is a French/Swede lad and I’m a Montrealer from New York with roots in Haiti. It would be a golden ride, indeed.

[ Photos: Camila Escobar ]

Check out Static Gold and Zaya Solange on Facebook | Check Out the Band’s Soundcloud| Click Here to Purchase The Group’s Album |

Canada’s natural hair community is as vibrant as anywhere else, thanks to bloggers like Nel G, who inspires naturalistas all over Canada—and beyond—with Racines Crepues.

Inspired by women and artists she admired like India.Irie, Janelle Monae, Lauryn Hill, who wore non-permed styles, Nel started to do research on natural hair in late 2009. Most of the sites and resources she came across were based in either France or the USA. It occurred to her to start one for the Quebec area to chronicle her transition to natural hair, and to help those who were thinking of doing the same. The then-20-year-old launched Racines Crepues, her natural hair community in late 2009, thereby combining her life-long hobbies of reading and writing with her growing passion for natural hair. Her site is in French, but she has a translation feature on it to assist non-French naturalistas who may stumble upon it.

Nel G’s presence on Facebook is impressive, with her current fan base at 9700 fans. Racines Crepues presence is especially felt on YouTube where Nel G has created over 50 videos and amassed more than 7,000 subscribers. On that platform, she tests and reviews products for her readers, and shows them how to twist and lock their own hair. She also offers fun videos about her natural hair transition journey.

The natural hair entrepreneur’s diligence has been recognized. Racines Crepues recently won an MiB Award—an honor given to Canada-based blogs changing the digital landscape—in the beauty category.

A resident of Montreal, Quebec, the kinks-and-coils-promoting naturalista has a Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature.

Kreyolicious: Our childhoods shape us a great deal. When you were little, what was your perception of hair?

I grew up in Haiti until I was 10, so pretty much everyone had the same kind of hair. Like a lot of black mothers in that time, my mother did not particularly know how to take proper care of my hair. It was very painful to detangle and to comb, so I hated it every time she washed it. I always thought that black hair was coarse and untamable, so I envied the long, straight hair of my friends when I came to live in Canada. I used to put on a skirt on my hair to mimic white people’s hair! [My hair] was permed at 12 like a lot of other little girls, and I thought that was the only thing a black girl could do with her hair.

Kreyolicious: The natural hair movement seems to be all over. What’s the natural hair community like in Canada?

I will talk for Quebec—where I live—because the rest of Canada is big. The natural hair community is less huge than in other places. There are fewer black people in Canada than in the States or in Europe, and as a result, I feel like the black community is more scattered. It’s not always a bad thing, because there are less ghettos and more integration with the general society. I live in a very multicultural place. I feel like black people here in Montreal struggle less to stay connected with their roots because most of us are first and second-generation immigrants, so we feel less the need to make big events about our hair for example. Of course, there are more and more events, but not to the extent of the big hair shows held in the States. There are fewer blogs, few stores and natural hair salons, and almost all of them are concentrated in and around the city of Montreal—which can be very frustrating for people who live far from there.

Kreyolicious: When did you realize that you were a huge force in the natural hair community?

When people started to recognize me on the streets! I’m really shy in real life, so I don’t always know how to react and talk to people. But they’re always so nice to me, and I’m glad that I made such an impression online that people remember my face and name. Also, when I started to receive media invites to some events, and brands wanted me to give advice on their products.

Kreyolicious: What do you think has contributed to the growth of your brand?

I think that I’m genuine in what I do. I just want to help people take better care of their hair and break all the misconceptions we have had about black hair. I also take time to acknowledge and answer emails or comments I get and I try to have a professional, but friendly attitude with my readership.

Kreyolicious: Towards the beginning, did you ever have those moments when you wanted to give up?

In the beginning, I was only doing a kind of public journal or diary to share my own experience and maybe help people like me. I did not expect any kind of money or fame. The moments I wanted to give up came only after a few years, when I felt some people were trying to take advantage of the success I had. What started as a hobby was becoming a heavy workload and I didn’t feel happy anymore about it. I also didn’t like the curve the natural hair community was taking, with more and more fights, shady business, marketing and a lot of consumerism. I do want to grow as person or even as a brand, but not at any cost.

Kreyolicious: How did you keep your head above water?

By reminding myself why and how I started, and by remaining authentic and true to my values. I developed a [set] of ethics, so and now I’m more confident with what I do, and I know when I have to say no. But, the most important thing are the messages I get from my readers everyday, reminding me how I help them with my work. These messages are really encouraging and are the reason I continue the blog. I’m very grateful for that.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to those out there who’d like to go natural?

Do research—but don’t go crazy! There is so much online right now…so many websites, videos and hair gurus…so much lingo to learn! Don’t try to emulate someone else’s hair. Don’t be envious of other girls’ texture, curl patterns or length. Work with your own hair. Learn what works for it. It will take time, but be patient. And don’t spend all your money on the newest lines of products. So much of us go natural to save money, yet spend all of our money on every single product we come across. No product does miracles—and most of the time—less is more.

Kreyolicious: And what would you say to someone who’s trying to build an online community?

Each and every person has their own reason to start an online community, so I would say…write down that reason and try to stay focused. Chase opportunities, be quick when they show up, but don’t harass people and don’t be greedy. You have a lot to give before you receive something. Keep your fan base satisfied and they will be the one to bring you new members for your community to grow. Try to learn something, teach something and share as much as you can!

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

My family—and on another level—the Internet, help me stay connected to my roots. I still speak Creole, eat Haitian food, read the works of Haitian novel writers, and watch some Haitian movies. I will admit it is hard, as I have not gone back to Haiti since I left 15 years ago. I consider myself a “Citizen of the World” mostly. My memories as a child and what I learned in school in Haiti are also the best connection I have with my Haitian roots.

VISIT RACINES CREPUES HERE| RACINES CREPUES ON INSTAGRAM | RACINES CREPUES ON TWITTER

Rose-Anne Gabriel is a professional chef and caterer living in Canada. Born in Montreal, Gabriel moved to Haiti as a child, and returned to live in Canada in later years. She is the owner of Chefanista, a full-service personal chef company based in Montreal that serves clients healthy and delicious meals. Gabriel attests that some of her dearest food-related memories occured during holiday times in Montreal when she would help her mother make pen patat [potato pudding] and kremas [a coconut drink].

So you started cooking when you were…

I actually started cooking at the age of 4. During that time, my family was living in Haiti. It was there that I fell in love with the culinary world. The first dish I prepared was diri kole ak pwa ak poul—rice and beans with chicken—my mom was so proud.

At which point did you decide it was a must to pursue cooking professionally?

I never thought I would be doing this until I had my first child. My decision came out of my own struggle of balancing family life and professional life. It was the solution to my problem, which I later realized was a problem shared by many.

Have you ever had a kitchen disaster?

I can’t really say I’ve had major disasters, but rather kitchen fails. And those usually happen when trying out new recipes, such as using baking soda instead of baking powder or simply forgetting certain ingredients.

Who was the best cook you knew growing up?

It might sound cliché, but it has to be my mom. She’s not the typical Haitian mom. Growing up I called her “Haitian mom New Age”, as she exposed us to many different things.

And what was her specialty?

Her specialty was Italian.

You worked at the Fairmont Reine Elizabeth and the Ritz-Carlton in Canada. What were some of the lessons you learned while working at those two prestigious facilities.

I wasn’t a chef during those times. I studied Hotel Management, and during those years, I worked at management levels in various departments such as housekeeping, front office and outside catering. The most valuable lesson I learned was to have discipline in the midst of constant change. I love change, but in order to be effective you most be disciplined.

What advice do you have for home chefs?

The right seasoning can make the difference between an ordinary and a fabulous meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.

You once won an award from a young Canadian-Haitian entrepreneurs for your talents. As a food entrepreneur, what are some principles you’ve learned that you feel would be helpful for those following your path to know?

The first one is discipline, self-discipline is not always easy, but necessary to reach your goals. The second is perseverance. Just because you failed in the past, doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. It could be that the timing wasn’t right or that you needed to fine tune a few elements. Third, don’t ever forget what drives you.

And those wanting to become professional chefs.

The same principles apply to those who are looking to enter the world of the culinary arts. Your passion will help you surmount obstacles along the way. Discipline will get you through the rigorous training. And perseverance will help set you apart from the pack.

Do you think Haitian cuisine will come to be appreciated on a bigger scale in the future?

I believe so. There are more and more dedicated and passionate entrepreneurs appearing and opening fine dining establishments and catering companies.

When Chef Rose-Anne is outfitting a new kitchen, what are some of the tools she can’t do without?

My top three are, top quality knives, hand-held blender and mandoline.

Okay, this is a question that’s asked of practically everyone here. When was the last time you went to Haiti?

Wow, it’s been 23 years…way too long.

Where do you see your career going?

I will be gradually moving out of the kitchen and fulfilling a management position. I’m also working on a modern Haitian cuisine cookbook. And looking to market a few food products. Still have many projects I’ve had to postpone that I will be working on over the next few years. I’m not done yet!

Visit Rose-Anne Gabriel’s website and learn more about Chefanista BY CLICKING HERE. Check her out on the Montreal Chefanista Twitter page and Pinterest page