Jonathan Perry, known as JPerry on the stage, can get the badge and the sash as the unofficial cultural ambassador of Haiti through his music. One of his past singles “Dekole” might have served as track music for a commercial on Haiti’s tourism, and its subsequent music video as visual for a travelogue. The song stroke such a chord, with verses praising Haiti’s natural assets and its tropical beauty.

The song “Enjoy” takes over where “Dekole” left off. After the smooth flow of the “Dekole” video from Mage Entertainment, one’s expectations for the “Enjoy” video was as high as can be, and when the firm behind it is none other than commercial bastion Bruno Mourral’s Muska Group, one expects something up to par. So, when one is served with cut-offs of heads and a scene where Perry, riding a motorcycle, can only be seen from the hands up to his arms, one is compelled to scratch one’s head. Until, that is, one fully grasps the true concept of the video. With images of Perry on performing on stage interceded with casual shots of him in a recording studio with his entourage, sitting on algae-permeated rock at the mouth of a beach, and intermingling with everyday people on the streets of Haiti, the video is meant to show a more personal view of Haiti than “Dekole” did. Kinda like if one is given a video camera to film one’s neighborhood and one’s country with a personal flair.

Anh, oke!

Mr. Perry propels a message about Haiti’s beauty, and that’s fine, as he does a stupendous job at it. But it must be said that to grow as an artist, Mr. Perry should branch out to other subjects next time. Songs like “Dekole” and “Enjoy” have a perennial aspect to them. But, the time has come for Perry to break out of the mold, even if it has procured him a great deal of well-deserved attention.

For instance, how about a romantic ballad in Creole next time to diversify the artist’s portfolio?

Ahem, this said, let us turn our attention to the music video itself. Want to sing along with the video? The lyrics are below (followed by a translation).

LYRICS

Intro:
Baoli Records baby

Paradise
Ayiti cheri
M ap enjoy
M ap trip nan peyi a
Ann ale

Paradise
Haiti baby
I’m enjoying
I’m tripping in this country
Let’s go

[Chorus]
Gadon ti peyi mezanmi Ayiti
Gad kijan m ap enjoy
Enjoy
Lakay se lakay
Bon manje, bèl plezi
Yon paradi m ap enjoy
Enjoy
Se konsa mwen wèl
Gad jan peyi mwen bèl
Mezanmi kite l viv non
Li lè pou l avanse

[Chorus]
Man, this Haiti is some country
Look at how I’m enjoying myself
Enjoy
Home sweet home
Some good food, loads of fun
I’m really enjoying this paradise
Enjoy
That’s the way I see it
Look how good the country’s looking
You people need to leave it alone
It’s time for it to make some progress

Mwen renmen Ayiti
M pap janm viv lòt kote
Se ti peyi m, ti cheri m
Se li ke m adore

I love me some Haiti
Can’t imagine ever living anywhere else
It’s my country, my baby
It’s the one that I adore

Nou soti lwen
Yon jou na rive lwen
Peyi sa pa ka gaspiye

We’ve come far
Someday we’ll get far
This country won’t to waste

E lè male, mwen toujou retounen
Paka kite l dèyè
Fò nou voye li monte
Fò nou demele kò nou
Yon jan pou n sa ranje l
Pou n fèl rive pi wo

When I go away, I always come back
Can’t leave it behind
We got it
We got to get things moving
So that one day we can fix it
So it can get further

Ayiti son gwo ti peyi vre
Se pa manti non
Se pawòl serye
Mwen santi m kool lè mwen di se Ayisyen mwen ye
Malgre pwoblèm, ke m konnen l genyen

Ayiti is a fine little country
And that’s no lie
That’s real talk
I feel cool when I say I’m Haitian
Despite all the problems it has

Mwen pa p janm kite bèl peyi sa gaspiye
Pou jan l gen trip ladan l
Imajine kisa l ta ye si nou ta mete lòd
Nou mete l a la mòd

I’m never going to let this country go to waste
It’s too much fun
Imagine what it could become if we were to put things in order
Make it the place to be

[Chorus]
Gadon ti peyi mezanmi Ayiti
Gad kijan m ap enjoy
Enjoy
Lakay se lakay
Bon manje, bèl plezi
Yon paradi m ap enjoy
Enjoy
Se konsa mwen wèl
Gad jan peyi mwen bèl
Mezanmi kite l viv non
Li lè pou l avanse

[Chorus]
Man, this Haiti is some country
Look at how I’m enjoying myself
Enjoy
Home sweet home
Some good food, loads of fun
I’m really enjoying this paradise
Enjoy
That’s the way I see it
Look how good the country’s looking
You people need to leave it alone
It’s time for it to make some progress

M bwè dlo kokoye
M manje lanbi
M souse rapadou
Banm yon ti dous makos
Ak yon ti Barbancourt
M gen annpil lanmou pou wou
Pase mwen konn sa ou vo
Devan lemond antye
Fòw drapo w vole pi wo
Nou gen bèl mòn, bèl lanmè
Bèl sous, bèl rivyè
Bon son, ak frechè

I drink me some coconut water
I eat myself some conch
I suck on molasses bars
Give me a little homemade candy
And a little Barbancourt
Got so much love for you
‘Cause I know what you’re really worth
When compared to everywhere else in the world
Your flag’s will fly higher
We’ve got some majestic mountains, some pretty beaches
Some great waterfalls, some nice rivers
Nice sound, some great breeze

[Chorus]
Gadon ti peyi mezanmi Ayiti
Gad kijan m ap enjoy
Enjoy!
Lakay se lakay
Bon manje, bèl plezi
Yon paradi m ap enjoy
Enjoy!
Se konsa mwen wèl
Gad jan peyi mwen bèl
Mezanmi kite l viv non
Li lè pou l avanse

Man, this Haiti is some country
Look at how I’m enjoying myself
Enjoy
Home sweet home
Some good food, loads of fun
I’m really enjoying this paradise
Enjoy
That’s the way I see it
Look how good the country’s looking
You people need to leave it alone
It’s time for it to make some progress

M ap enjoy, m ap enjoy
M ap enjoy Pòtoprens, e sitou nan provens
Everyday

I’m enjoying, I’m enjoying
I enjoy Port-au-Prince and especially in the other little cities too
Everyday

[Creole Lyrics via Anton Translations by Kreyolicious]
Music video via Kompa Grooves Channel]

Co-host of Taste the Islands TV Show, Cynthia – Chef Thia- Verna, Photo by Richard Lecoin

Enjoy the authentic sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean during the 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience” on Saturday, June 2, at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. Food and spirits enthusiasts with a taste for island indulgences will enjoy an all-inclusive evening featuring celebrity cooking demos, an artisan shopping village, live music and more at the second annual celebration to take place on the Riverfront on the lawn of the New River Inn (231 Southwest Second Avenue) from 4 – 10 p.m.

“The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society is thrilled to present this tasteful celebration of all things Caribbean to residents and visitors in Downtown Fort Lauderdale,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. “Our diverse community continues to be shaped by the many cultures, flavors and influences to our south and we are proud to showcase them together at the festive ‘Taste the Islands Experience.’”

Attendees can explore the fine art of Caribbean cooking with celebrity chefs including “Taste the Islands” TV show hosts Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna of Haiti, Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair of Jamaica and Chef Amit Raval, head chef of Amtar Fine Foods in Trinidad. This cadre of culinarians will sample their gourmet Caribbean creations in the “Taste the Islands” Pavilion and will present demonstrations on the event’s main stage.

For an even wider selection of Caribbean fare, Restaurant Row will host 15 local cafes and caterers representing multiple islands, each offering different menu selections while an open bar will serve island specialties. Other flavorful touches include a tropical drink and ice-cream bar and a signature Caribbean Culinary Museum and Culinary Theater, where guests can enjoy an immersive cultural foray into the regions’ histories.

DJs Nickymix and Richie D will create the audial atmosphere taking guests on a musical island journey while the incomparable Steve ‘Sir Rockwell’ Warner will emcee the event. A steel drum band and costumed carnival players will add to the exuberant island atmosphere.

Ultra-VIP treatment will include complimentary massages in the Goldson Spine massage studio, and complimentary refreshers in the Glam Studio with Makeup by Rory Lee and hair touch-ups by Miss Jessie’s. A 5-day, 4-night all-inclusive trip for two to Barbados (valued of $2,000 including hotel and air travel) will also be raffled-off with proceeds benefiting the Historical Society

The 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience” is presented by media and production company Island Syndicate whose directors include the visionaries behind the “Taste the Islands” television series and Island Origins Magazine. It is co-presented by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. Event partners include the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Red Stripe Beer and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Guests visiting from out of town can take advantage of special rates compliments of the Riverside Hotel. Please mention “Taste the Islands” when calling toll free (844) 467-0671, direct (954) 467-0671, or booking through the event website. Exclusive transportation partner Yellow Cab of Broward will ensure that even those who may overindulge can get home safely.

All-inclusive tickets for “Taste the Islands Experience” are $95 advance and $125 at the gate and are available at www.ttiexperience.com. Price includes gourmet and authentic Caribbean food and premium drinks. For more information about the 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience,” please visit www.ttiexperience.com.

About Island Syndicate

Island Syndicate is a media, arts and entertainment company that produces unforgettable events and exceptional content, inspired by the Caribbean. The team offers publishing, video production, photography and other corporate creative services, and is passionate about delivering superior quality to their discerning clients. For more information, please visit www.islandsyndicate.com.

About the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (FLHS)

For 56 years, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (FLHS) has brought the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Residents and visitors to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in five historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus – the 1907 King Cromartie House Museum, the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1905 Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House, the 1899 Replica Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910-present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. The FLHS is located at 219 Southwest Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Museum hours are Monday – Friday from noon – 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Group tours are available by request. The FLHS is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. Click here to donate. For more information, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at www.fortlauderdalehistoricalsociety.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FLLhistory.

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Funding is provided in part by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. This organization is sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture.

 

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