Before you even know what she sounds like, Devyn Rose catches your attention. Firstly, her clothes. They are best described as New Bohemian, very hip and dope—a little bit vintage, a bit flashy Nineties, and a slight dash of contemporary. She also borrows from other centuries—heavy eyelashes that could have been worn by Hatsheput or a maiden from an Egyptian dynasty, and a string of earth-tone chains that could have adorned the neck of someone from the Grecian era—say…Penelope of Ithaca.

And then there’s the way her skin glows. Maybe it’s because her powerful pipes make her shake down to her pores. But, nah; the glow is probably from the fact that she’s a vegan. Yes, Kreyolicious ones, Devyn Rose does not indulge in unhealthy eats. Sure her outfits are pure coolness, but after hearing her, you’ll probably agree that her voice is the best thing about her. The natural hair-sporting singer has been singing since she was a little girl. She loves to get down on the dance floor, and occasionally dabbles with the drums as well.

Born in New York to Haitian parents, Devyn has always breathed music. Now, she’s exhaling all sorts of musical goodies. Her song “Falling 4 U” has peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Singles chart. The track brings to mind the classic album From the Bottom Up by Brownstone. Yeah, her pipes are that powerful. “Cupid is my witness/I’m falling in love like it’s nobody’s business,” she sings over a drum-heavy beats honeyed with some luscious R&B. In the video for the song “Falling 4 U”, she cuddles up to her love interest, and as the song comes on and she mouths some of the verses, you’ll think back to the time you first fell too.

Her voice can adopt a Jacksonian range on a song like “Heartbeat”, and she can get it down to a Eartha Kittish snarl, like she does on the bridge to “Falling 4 U”. On the Kaze the Producer-produced “Trouble”, she curses out a boyfriend who doesn’t have fidelity on his list of personal virtues.

Kreyolicious: Devyn Rose…so what sort of rose are you…a fragile rose…a steel rose, or a deadly rose?

I would definitely describe myself as a steel rose. My journey has been great—and whether I face any ups or downs–I embrace it all. Regardless of anything, I remain strong and focused.

Kreyolicious: Your song “Falling 4 U”…It’s hard not get pulled in by this track.

Thank you.

Kreyolicious: What exactly inspired it?

I never knew what falling in love with someone felt like until I experienced it. It was a great feeling and so I decided to write about it as I knew so many people could relate to it.

Kreyolicious: Your music is very ear-catching. What does your creative process consists of?

Thank you. I love creating spontaneous music. For example, I could just be chilling in the lab vibing out with my producer and a dope melody or idea pops up and I lay it down on the spot. That is when I am most creative—although writing when I am going through something—good or bad—helps me too.

Kreyolicious: Do you style yourself?

No. I have an amazing stylist who keeps me on point and his name is Rajé Styles…we work hand in hand. He knows what I like and keeps me looking hella dope!

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

I am so happy to represent my people and to help wherever I can whether it is through music, supporting a cause, etc. Every time my team gets a request from a Haitian organization, I get so excited. It’s another opportunity to help and to work together. We are like one huge family!

Kreyolicious: Coolness…What do you think of the current direction of the music industry?

It is definitely changing and I do like where it is going in terms of being indie…we no longer have to sign with a label to get where we have to get..all we gotta do is work hard and believe.

Kreyolicious: I feel you…An artist—no matter how original—has been influenced by other artists…whether it’s conscious or not. Who has influenced you?

Yes, definitely. Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, Whitney Houston and Aaliyah have influenced my sound!

Kreyolicious: “With every album you have to reinvent yourself”, is a quote that’s been attributed to Jay-Z. What should we expect from your first full-length album?

It took me a very long time to find my sound, look, style—my entire image. “Falling 4 U” was the first record I recorded. Once I found my sound—it was like the debut—me showing the world who Devyn Rose is. Because I am multi-genre, you can expect all kinds of music from hip-hop to pop, alternative, zouk, etc. I am really excited and proud of this project and can’t wait for everyone to hear it!

VISIT DEVYN ROSE’S WEBSITE| DEVYN ROSE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL | BUY HER MUSIC ON iTunes

Don’t forget to take a peek at Devyn Rose’s video for “Falling 4 U” below…

Kelly Krow probably thinks of himself as a singer-songwriter, but thespian in him manifests greatly in the video for his song “Question”.
Above: The artist Kelly Krow.Photo Credit: Borina Puss.

Directed by Carlo Appolo, the MakeStudios Production has the artist spitting off a series of questions about life and love—questions perhaps you’ve asked yourself. Will he get tangible answers to these pressing questions? No matter. One thing that can’t be questioned, is the fact that Kelly Krow is one of the hottest acts in the Montreal pop and R&B scene. “Slow Down”, a killer jam, featuring fellow Canadian OneNessa and produced by the producer known as XXX shot up the iTunes chart this past Spring. His latest work is a song “What About Us” produced by Montreal beatmaker Carlito leaves no doubt in the crevices of the mind that you’ll be hearing about Kelly Krow for a long time.

Come, and get to know this Canadian singer with Haitian roots…

Kreyolicious: How did you get started in the music business?
I had this addiction watching Michael Jackson when I was six years old. My mother had all the videos [from] back in the day. My days at home was all about watching the king of pop. Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a singer, comedian, rapper, entertainer…Anything related with music and arts. I tried everything at the same time for years until Brandon Hetch—my manager called me for a meeting and changed my whole music vision today.

Kreyolicious: During your creative process, what usually pops out first…the melody…or the lyrics?
The rhythm and the melody come from first, always. The lyrics follow the mood of the melody!

Kreyolicious: What inspired the song “Question”?
The song question is about everything you qant to know about living together. For anyone, in a long-term relationship. Good times and bad times, successes and failures, the mixture of good and bad things which happen to people. Back in the days, on my side my feelings was, and always have been, a roller coaster. I was told by people who are close to me that being emotional is a bad thing. And I believed them. It took me a long time to realize that I was hiding who I really was by hiding how I truly felt about all sorts of stuff. And that’s why today I’m really grateful to be with the one i married today. “Question” is everything I had with people back then. “I’ve had you so many times. But somehow, I want more”—that was my reflection by writing the song

Kreyolicious: You look like you had an awfully good time filming it. Did you play a creative role on how the visuals came together?
I had the role as Adam in modern art…let’s say. Watching her, the temptation…Im a married man, and Raquel Martinez—the main model was also engaged! So it was pretty funny to do it. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: What’s the musical scene in Montreal like right now?
Montreal is one of those cities that’s got everything! From a huge nightlife scene, to the home of major educational institutions, massive Party scene…Montreal is a city that feeds its population with festivities. The music development is late though. The reason is simple. The beatmakers/producers are quietly blowing up worldwide, and it’s easier working with artists. The simple reason that artists need a hit song—of course. However, Montreal artists, rappers, singers can’t “blow-up” in Montreal. The city doesn’t have that DJ Khaled-type-of-vibe. It’s more an every-man-for-himself situation. When we will have our Drake in town, things will change! I can feel this happening really soon.

Kreyolicious: Kelly Krow…The letter ‘K’…twice. If you could pick a word from the English language that a K-sound…to describe yourself, it would be…

I’ll go with Knowledge. Anyone can know. The point is to understand. Trying to understand the ideas behind everything. That’s how I am.

Kreyolicious: Every musical artist—no matter how unique they are were influenced by another artist…or artists. I remember reading this interview that Michael Jackson did where he cited Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder on his list of talents who influenced him. Who would you say are your influences?
Michael Jackson of course. He said: “The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work” and that’s what I did all my life. Also being a proud Haitian, Wyclef Jean was a big part of my growing up. I had the chance to see him working live in the studio once. Incredible knowledge. I’ve also been following Pharrell Williams since day one.

Kreyolicious: Do you visit Haiti often?
I went once when I was a baby—about two years old. Can’t remember. But I would love to go anytime. Just trying to figure it out “right timing”. The elections right now…government and politics. I don’t think it’s the right time to go! I’m definitely going [later on this year]. Can’t wait!

Kreyolicious: What are you working on right now? And what should we expect from you now and towards middle of the year?
As a recording artist, my official first album My Lotus Garden. Available pretty much everywhere. Going on tour [this year]. Shows. Working with dope artists worldwide. I’ll let my manager take the lead. I’m in good hands. He’s doing a pretty dope job for Kelly Krow! As a comedian with The Official Food Gang. I’ll keep doing what I do best…making good music and representing my Haitian brothers and sisters for life! Everything you can imagine is real.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE KELLY KROW WEBSITE| KELLY KROW ON FACEBOOK|BUY KELLY KROW’S MUSIC ON iTUNES

Is there a correlation between geography and creativity? For New York-born Natalie Holly, the answer is a firm “yes”. The writer-producer-filmmaker witnesses her creative juices boiling beyond temperature, after she made the move from the USA to Cap Haitien.

Kreyolicious: So you moved to Haiti recently? Had you been to Haiti prior to the move?

Yes. I’d been to Haiti a few times prior to moving there. However, my longest stretch in the country was three months.

Kreyolicious: Did you feel isolated at first?

I am very blessed to have a lot of family living in Haiti, including my sister who had been living here a year already, before I moved. So I have to say I never felt completely isolated. When the going got tough, I generally had someone I could run and vent to.

Often, those of us in the diaspora tend to romanticize our Ayiti Cherie. The reality is, no matter how well you have mastered your French or Kreyol, you are still noticeably a foreigner, which can at worst, make you a target for people who may not have the best intentions, and at the very least make for some uncomfortable exchanges and experiences.

Kreyolicious: So, how’s the assimilation process for you?

Identity—how one self-identifies and how one is perceived – is an interesting concept. As a Haitian-American, and frankly for anyone of Haitian descent who decides to move here, you may be expected to adjust faster and to understand what is naturally foreign to you. You may be given less of a grace period than the foreigner who has no Haitian lineage. In that way, I found that I didn’t always feel as free here as I have felt in other countries…Free to ask questions, to be naive, and to explore. Often friends and family project their own fears—some of which are valid—onto us. The liberation I had elsewhere, in some ways, did not always exist for me in Haiti. However, keeping this in mind, I was still determined to carve out a life for myself. The good, bad, and ugly experiences all taught me very valuable lessons. I had to accept that while Haiti is a part of me, I will never be fully Haitian and there will be many aspects of our beautiful country and people that I will never fully understand.

So assimilation in this context, I find, is not a realistic goal. I think “adjustment” would be a better term here. I’ve adjusted over time, and as a result, am far better equipped to switch gears and handle various situations as they come.

Kreyolicious: From what I gather, moving to Haiti has really gotten your creative juices stewing. What are some of the things you’ve been up to?

In my last semester of graduate school at the Actors Studio Drama School in NY where I was studying acting, I started writing a screenplay that takes place in post-earthquake Haiti. Immediately following the earthquake I was drawn to the accounts of children who had survived being trapped under rubble. Through that curiosity, I developed a character—a little girl who survives being trapped under a supermarket with the help of an imaginary friend. Still, I didn’t feel I could write a believable story without having truly experienced the regular ins and outs of daily life in that environment. Five years later, that screenplay became KAFOU—a translation of the word “crossroad”—a six-part dramatic television series. What started as a single story about a little girl under rubble, evolved into several intersecting stories that take you into the lives of an ensemble cast of unlikely and resilient characters: A young woman rebuilding her father’s company after a promising career abroad…A motorcycle taxi driver lured into a kidnapping scheme while caring for his newly disabled brother…An American missionary and her involvement in child trafficking at a local orphanage—and a foreign government official managing aid and faulty policies in the country. Each of them is forced to make some very tough decisions under difficult circumstances, as their lives intersect at a moral crossroad. Hence the name, KAFOU.

I am very blessed to have Haitian-Canadian producer, Laurence Magloire of FastForward Haiti who produced the documentary Des Hommes et des Dieux (Of Men and of Gods), attached to the project. We were recently invited to attend the Caribbean Tales Incubator (CTI) at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, which is an-end-to-end process that supports projects from concept through production and marketing to sales of content. Though we did not win the Big Pitch, an event organized by CTI, we were selected as an audience favorite and were able to pitch KAFOU to potential investors and executive producers there and later in Montreal. To learn more about KAFOU, you can check out our website, and our Facebook page.

Above: A still from KAFOU, the series.

Kreyolicious: That’s so cool. What else have you up your sleeves?

I was also recently awarded a grant from the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church to begin research for a documentary on my great-great-grandfather, Bishop James Theodore Holly, the first African-American bishop of the Episcopal Church. Long before Marcus Garvey’s ‘Back to Africa” movement, Bishop Holly, an abolitionist and peer of other historical figures like Frederick Douglass, led a group of African Americans and Canadians who emigrated to Haiti in the late 1800s, making Haiti the largest diocese in the Episcopal Church with over 83,700 members and over 100 congregations to date. Bishop Holly also wrote the book Defender of the Race, and co-authored Black Separatism and The Caribbean in 1860. Links and alliances within the black diaspora like those between Haiti and African Americans continue to fascinate me.

So, my decision to move to Haiti has proved to be one that continues to feed my creativity and intellect. For that, I remain grateful.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE KAFOU SERIES WEBSITE | CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE KAFOU SERIES WEBPAGE

On her latest track “Dan Bang”, Haiti-based rapper Niska urges her countrymen to develop a conscience and rewire their minds for change. Niska herself has been through some mind-rewiring and changes. Her transition from girl to woman started on “Vire Won” (Merry-Go-Round), for which she teamed up with a rapper Synedad. On the song she speaks of playing an old admirer like the wheels of a merry-go-’round. A rapper named Chabin is her duet partner on “Riddim Affair”. The dramatic storylines that Niska made popular on “Keepin’ It Movin” with Jienna, “Better than I”, with rapper Grusome, are noticeably absent, or at least on mute on her latest track.

But she’s still empowered. Oh, and she’s very empowered, and not just on wax either…Thank you very much. Behind the scenes, Niska the rapper, er, Niska The Artist, not only writes her own songs, but she’s had a hand in producing her songs, like the song “Nana”, which she co-produced with beatmaker HTIK. She actually co-directed the music video for that song alongside the EKO Media Productions team.

Kreyolicious: How did music and the other arts come to be a big part of your life?
I’ve always loved to experiment in the arts. I illustrate, design, paint, write, produce, rap, sing. Sometimes I find myself integrating them all together. Almost like I’m designing music and making my art sing a song.
Kreyolicious: When you’re writing a song, what’s your main inspiration?
Experience…what I’m going through at the moment. What I observe. What I envision. That’s what paints the picture of my music.

Kreyolicious: Has another woman ever put you down?
Not women…but girls have put me down…or at least they’ve tried to. [Laughter] I believe real women help each other and build with each other.

Kreyolicious: You’ve shared posts of yourself as the leading lady in music videos. Is acting something you’d like to pursue?
Yes, I love acting. I would love to have my own TV show one day or even act in a movie.

Kreyolicious: Growing up, who did you listen to? Do you think these artists have had an influence in how you approach your music?
I grew up listening to a mix of Haitian music, (Kompa, racine) and hiphop. My parents are big fans of Spanish[-language] music as well so I grew up listening to that.

Kreyolicious: How does a Niska song come together?
I listen to the beat. If I feel the beat, I go in the booth and freestyle a few melodies and sometimes full phrases. After recording a couple takes, I listen to everything I recorded and select the parts that I like. I then write to the selected melodies and come up with a catchy chorus—hook. Once that’s done, I proceed to writing the verses. That’s usually how it goes down. [Laughter]

Above: The rapper vibes with her crew.

Kreyolicious: Interesting…Do you ever censor yourself because you realize that there are others looking up to you?
Yes. All the time. I’m the eldest of six. Just imagine the pressure. It’s a lot of responsibility, maintaining a clean image in the entertainment industry. I’m not motivated as much going on in the world. My ten-year old sister looks up to me more than anything, and knows all my lyrics. I would never want to be a disappointment her. As much as I’m a rebel, I try my best not to cross the line.

Kreyolicious: If you could give a younger sister and cousin some life advice based on what you’ve learned thus far as a woman…what would you say?
Never burn any bridges due to your ego. Remember, The toes you step on today may belong to the a__ you have to lick tomorrow.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you?
I am working on a creole album for my beautiful people. The project sound is very tribal, world and trap.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW RAPPER NISKA THE ARTIST’S JOURNEY!

Haitian-French songwriter and singer Sarah Jane Rameau released Lost Breed, her debut album this past spring, and it was about time. Well, no creative should be rushed, but after being served with so much of her work like the song “Jardin d’Hiver” (Winter Garden), it had become almost vital for her to feed the fan base she had amassed with her lush voice. The album in question has ten tracks, including the lead single “Hotel Room”. Let’s see what went into preparing it….

Kreyolicious: Your album is out. How long did it take for you to prepare it?
Sarah Jane Rameau: Finally, my album is out. I spent two years working on it. The writing process took longer, and the production started in October 2016.

Kreyolicious: The last time we convoed, you were completing your studies in architecture…
Sarah Jane Rameau: Yes!… I am finally an architect! One more string in my bow! I moved back to Haiti during these past two years where I launched an architectural firm called La Fabrik Architecture and Urbanisme”, with my architect-urbanist husband. We had a really great experience and we have learned so many things in the process. In the mean time, I took the opportunity to expand my musical career. I have played at the 10th Edition of the International Jazz Festival of Port-au-Prince, played and made friends with the greatest in the Haitian Jazz Industry and musicians and artists of the new generation…We had an unforgettable stay which ended with an album signing concert for the launching of my album Lost Breed. Now, La Fabrik has moved to France for a while, to acquire more knowledge, and to expand its wings. I, on my part, will continue to promote my album and remain focused on my music career.

Kreyolicious: One thing about creatives is that they sometimes tend to get obsessed. How do you know when a song is done?
Sarah Jane Rameau: It’s true that artists have a hard time finishing a project. I like to set up deadlines for my work. I love to improve my projects, don’t get me wrong, but, I try to overcome this obsession. Because let’s face it: when do you really know a project is really perfect? When do you stop? I love watching my growth through my work. As I create, I see an evolution and with time, I can look back and compare. Then I aim for higher progress…Plus, a song is never finished. It may be set in stone, like in a CD or vinyl, but in a live performance, the possibilities of modification are unlimited…

Kreyolicious: Is there song on the album that almost didn’t make it on there?
Sarah Jane Rameau: I was thinking of “FreakShow”, because this isn’t the kind of song that I am used sing. It’s the alien of the album. Although, since it was a concept-album, FreakShow totally had its place! It’s the part of the album where I put in evidence the conflicts of the Haitian society. Through an “Alice in Wonderland” story interpretation…I (as Alice) get dragged in a hole by the society (the rabbit), and get trapped in a freakshow where masks are permanently worn and where hypocrisy dominates. Freakshow couldn’t not be on Lost Breed.

Kreyolicious: An album is a collaboration. How did you connect with the musicians featured on yours?
Sarah Jane Rameau: As I performed in Haiti, I tied bonds with great talented musicians such as Ferdinand Jean Baptiste, Hermand Duverne, Josué Alexis, Johnson St Cyr, Maxime Lafaille and Johnbern Thomas. When I started working on my album, I had no doubt as to who I wanted to work with. We have such a great synergy when we perform together and our energies are always in sync.

Kreyolicious: Would you advise those who are just beginning their recording careers to seek out mentors?
Sarah Jane Rameau: I always think it’s great to have a mentor. They’ve been knowing the field for years. They give you pointers, constructive criticism, instructions, help you broaden your cultural field in music and help you see many details that you, as young starter, you wouldn’t even think of. There’s a lot you can learn through them, and you also can also share your knowledge with them. They have a legacy to transmit, and you to embrace and to incorporate. As for me, Reginald Policard is my mentor and I have learned a lot with him throughout this time. And I can only be grateful for everything he has taught me.

Kreyolicious: Your songs have so much depth. You ever feel that you put too much of yourself on your recordings…?
Sarah Jane Rameau: Thank you! The lyrics and the music comes from my heart. But actually, I never feel what I put out in my recordings is too much. On the contrary, I think I restrain myself from being blunt…But this album had to be a bit PG… I could have said more. [Wide smile]

Kreyolicious: Your album is out. What are the next steps for you?
Sarah Jane Rameau: Next step is making it heard by many, in and out of Haiti..make more fun visuals…And work more. [Smiles wide]

CliCK HERE to buy Lost Breed on iTunes| CLICK HERE to buy Lost Breed on Amazon |

CLICK HERE to visit singer Sarah Jane Rameau’s website.