Wanito…branding master? After making considerable impact with his debut album, songwriter and singer Wanito is making a subtle comeback, and preparing the musical terrain for his sophomore album. He’s not only concerned about showing his artistic growth, but he’s also coming at his fans in a big way with a major image overhaul. Here are some branding and rebranding lessons we can learn from the singer.

1. Communicate your desired message, and keep reinforcing it
Wanito wore leather pants and jacket for his “Leve Defi” a video…a vast difference from the t-shirts and flannel shirts and jeans that were the norm for most of his appearances. And in a lot of his public perfomances…there he was in a suit and sitting on a stool. Wanito’s message: I’m growing up and this is a new day.

2. Use the power of the internet to control your image
Wanito’s official website Wanito.com debuted, and boy, does it have some bells and whistles. Designed by the creative firm THE CCWC NETWORK CORP, the site features tabs where fans can keep up with Wanito’s tour dates, buy his latest tracks, and join his fan club. On the website, Wanito has full reign on directly communicating with his fans and the music community. Even in the 21st Century, an artist’s personal website yields power. In searches, it’ll most likely be the first hit for the name “Wanito”.

3. Be about branding, be about business…
There’s Wanito bamboo hoops now…and Wanito-branded boots for fans and supporters to purchase. I personally haven’t seen much merchandising offerings from the konpa/Haitian music genre, so power to Wanito.

4. When you don’t have any new material or product out, take little steps in letting fans know you’re still good and well.
It’s less work you’ll have to do when presenting them with new product. You must do your best to remain in their minds. Prior to releasing a new single and video, Wanito remained active on social media, and shared photos of appearances at events, including the African Entertainment Awards, where he walked the red carpet and performed. And the single and video were released weeks apart—but not too far apart—so that fans didn’t have to wait too long. At the same times, the gap between single release and video release allowed fans to absorb the single first, and set the tone (and anticipation) for the video.

5. Solidify your message with visuals
Wanito does this most expertly with his video for his track “Viens Avec Moi”, featuring singer-songwriter and fellow guitarist Mickael. In the video, a bearded Wanito shows that not only can he sit there and moan and groan about the problems of the world, but when the times call for it, he can be a most romantic leading man. He dances with, he twirls the beautiful and well-shaped leading lady in the video. Yes, he’s no longer some teeny-bopper singing about Haiti’s problems, but a grown-man who wants to be seen as one. And the video allowed for Wanito to demonstrate a new dimension of himself and his talent…he co-directed the video, so he was not only the leading man in the video, but the leading shot-caller on its production set. Within Twenty-four hours of its posting, the video received 50,000 views on one Youtube channel alone. Building anticipation and delivering within a reasonable amount of time yields fruitage.

There you have it folks, Wanito branding and rebranding lessons we can learn from the singer. Artists and other folks out there…how many can you relate to? And which one do you feel is most clever?

Your girl Kreyolicious signing off.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WANITO

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WANITO’S WEBSITE

Angie Menuau Joseph couldn’t help but notice something around wedding season in Port-au-Prince. She’d come across brides and grooms who were lost when organizing their weddings. “They [would be] looking for qualified providers, but [only had] word of mouth to [go by]. In Haiti, it’s very common to trust the friend of the aunt of the friend of the aunt’s cousin [for references].”

Menuau Joseph decided to sit down with two of her friends—Rachel de Delva Hyppolite and Jaelle Josecite. “In talking, we realized that the market in Haiti in this area was changing,” Menuau recalls, “and that it was important for professionals in this sector to make themselves known.” Jaelle Josecite had had experience organizing The Wedding Fair, a bridal expo of similar scope in another part of the Caribbean, and proposed doing a version of it in Port-au-Prince. Menuau recalls, “We immediately set to work, without asking ourselves too many questions. From that moment, we started to identify all the professionals in the wedding industry…To be honest with you there were many!”

Above: Rachel De Delva Hyppolite (extreme left), Angie Menuau (second from left) and Jaelle Josecite (in yellow) pose with a Haiti Bridal Expo participant.

Many, indeed. From photographers, to wedding cake designers, to makeup artists, to event planners, and bridal wear companies, all wanted to be a part of the first edition of the Haiti Bridal Expo. Menuau Joseph and her two associates were prepared to meet the challenge. De Delva Hyppolite says that in addition to her bridal planning experience, she also also ran a restaurant. She was put in charge of the General Administration Committee of the expo. Menuau Joseph took on the title of Exhibitor and Sponsor Relations Manager, as she had amassed nearly a decade’s worth of experience as an event planner. Jaelle Josecite’s background in sales, tourism marketing, communication and decoration made her ideal to handle the media outreach and sponsorship aspects of the Haiti Bridal Expo.

So, early this month, the ladies combined their know-how in their respective fields and put on Haiti Bridal Expo. Here are some lessons they learned over the course of the Haiti Bridal Expo.

Lesson #1: When several heads are trying to accomplish something, there’s bound to be goal and personality differences. What matters is how they’re handled.

JAELLE JOSECITE: Indeed work with people of different personality to accomplish something is not easy. In our small working group, we come from different horizons. For example, I am from Guadeloupe. I had to learn all about the Haitian system and it can be a real challenge. I do not agree about something I let them know [in a] respect[ful manner]. Rachel represents wisdom within the group but also another generation of Haitian more mature…So she’s the one who always have to decide or fine the good solution which is the best for the group…Angie as she has this really is a go-getter and dynamic generation of Haitian … She always have a solution for any situation … she has been working in the events in Haiti for more then 10 years so she knows everybody… But despite all this diversity we complete perfectly and we take great pleasure to work together but mostly learn from one and other. But our secret is respect, humility, professionalism and team work that is why it works well between us.

Lesson #2: Prepare for growth.

RACHEL DE DELVA HYPPOLITE: This first edition was a success…People from everywhere are constantly contacting us for our work…But for this edition, we were able to accept only 60 exhibitors. For the second edition, our big challenge will be to find a bigger place to receive more than 60 but 100 to 120 exhibitors.

Lesson #3: Publicity matters.

RACHEL DE DELVA HYPPOLITE: We want to work more closely with the media. For this first edition and for the first time in Haiti a press place was available for the media. For next year, we want to have more media and especially those from abroad.

Lesson #4: No matter how well you plan, you’re bound to experience some surprises.

ANGIE MENUAU JOSEPH: Of course…we would be lying if we said there weren’t [any surprises]. During the 8 months during which we worked on organizing the fair, things have not been easy. We met certain difficulties here and there, but we overcame them through our experience and our different contacts. But, the most difficult part was the financial aspect. Finding sponsors was not easy. But many people believed in our project and that is what counts the most.

Above: Haiti Bridal Expo attendees check through racks of bridal dresses, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride gowns.

Lesson #5. Pay heed to the feedback have received from the participants and exhibitors.

RACHEL DE DELVA HYPPOLITE: Exhibitors and participants are constantly contacting us to congratulate us on the first edition. Among the exhibitors, some are already starting to register by asking for the same stand position or number…However, we did receive some advice, particularly with regards to the space, and this advice is very important for us, particularly that coming from exhibitors, because without them, the wedding expo could not have been a success. As such, we have even more in mind and, with the goal of offering a worthy second edition, we intend to invite exhibitors to a brunch in order to gather their impressions in a friendly atmosphere.

[All photos provided by subjects.]

CLICK HERE to follow Haiti Bridal Expo on Twitter | CLICK HERE to visit the Haiti Bridal Expo website | CLICK HERE to follow Haiti Bridal Expo on Instagram | CLICK HERE to follow Haiti Bridal Expo on Facebook

If you’re feeling indecisive about career and life decisions you have to make, look further than New York Assembly member Kimberly Jean-Pierre for some solid advice and inspiration. A graduate of Brooklyn College, the now-state official also attended Stony Brook College, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she could not stand sitting with her legs crossed when an earthquake hit Haiti in the early 2010s. She got on the staff of the Haiti Relief Project, helping oversee the relief effort. But long before that catastrophic event, she had sought out Haiti-related causes, having served as Vice President of an organization called Haitian Americans United for Change.

“Sadly, I have never visited the country,” says the state official. “Many people find it very hard to believe because I love the culture and speak Creole fluently. My mom hasn’t been back since 1992 and my father never felt it was safe for me to travel.” The earthquake would have been a vital time to travel there, but she knew she’d be more helpful by staying in New York raising money, gathering medical supplies, apparel and food. “I planned to travel [last] summer, but the campaign came along. The plan is to travel [this] year.”

Meanwhile, she’s going places in life and in her career, and, boy, can we learn a thing or two from her.

Don’t be afraid to do a 180.

“After graduating undergraduate school, I knew I wanted to somehow get involved in education,” she recalls. “I applied for the Fellows Program to become a teacher, but I wasn’t sure about being a teacher. My brother encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Program at Stony Brook University and Public Policy was a new program and I figure I can use this degree to get involved in educational policies. Through the graduate program, I fell in love with local Politics and local government and never left.”

Being in proximity to parents and loved ones is cool, but it’s even better to get out of your comfort zone.

“Long Island was never a thought for me,” contends the native Brooklynite, “but graduate school brought me here. Internships created an entire new definition of what I can do with my degree and the opportunity for a new environment. It’s important to look at your options and the network you have built. Putting yourself in a challenging situation like I did helps you overcome so many factors that not only help you professionally—but personally.”

Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre has a light conversation with some women in her community.

If you’re torn between degrees, there’s only one thing to do…

“Study what you love,” advises Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “I went into Creative Writing because—[from] childhood to my young adult [years], I kept a journal documenting my daily life. I was always a big storyteller and enjoyed playing pretend. More importantly, I battled with my writing and knew it was a necessary tool.”

If your parents had humble beginnings, let that be a driving force of sorts for you.

“I think both of my parents did what they had to do based on the time they came to the United States,” she explains to Kreyolicious. “My mom was a home health aide for over 25 years—and as a single mom she carried out her responsibilities to ensure all four of her children were educated and taken care of. I knew if the opportunities available to me were available to both my parents, their lives would be different.”

Let others do them, and do you.

Now that Kimberly Jean-Pierre is a big-shot in the state of New York, does she ever come across people who used to be mean in high school, and who try to act like they’re her best friends now? “Oh, New York Assembly Woman, Kimberly Jean-Pierre! Girl, what’s up”, and they try to high-five her or dap her and everything. “I am grateful that I can’t relate to that,” she tells Kreyolicious of that scenario. And even if there had been meanies, she probably was oblivious to them. “I have always been a kind and friendly individual. My friends always ask me, “Why are you always smiling or laughing?” Life is too short, there’s no reason for enemies, and effective communication eliminates all this mean behavior.”

Work for free, work for free—also known as interning.

Kimberly’s internship with the New York Public Interest Research Group led to a lot of great opportunities afterwards. To those out there who are thinking about interning, she has plenty of advice in terms of what internships to apply for, and how to make the best of an internship. “Internships are an opportunity for one to build his or her network in the industry they seek interest in, so use it wisely,” she advises. “Ask to be a part of projects, meetings, bring forth ideas, etc. Interns are like staff, employers like to hire within so be known and always be professional. My career on Long Island started with internships and the relationships I built which promoted me from one level of government to another, starting in 2008.”

Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre (in pink blouse) speaks to blue collar workers in her community.

It’s possible for introverts to become leaders.

Is it really? “Yes,” she replies, “when you break out of it. Pride doesn’t exist on the journey to success.” She continues: “You have to be comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from your mistakes is imperative because it changes you professionally and personally. A leader requires work and my pastor would say Leadership is decisiveness, consistency and strength. Change is the essence of maturation.”

Books can change one’s whole outlook on life.

And Kimberly has read such a book. “That book would be my life, my childhood,” she contends. “My mom was a single mom, and as her second oldest but the oldest in the house, the responsibilities of my siblings was mine while she worked long hours. I raised my sister and brother once I graduated graduate school—bringing them to Long Island. The early adult decisions I had to make have shaped me today.

Some gut feelings may turn out to be wrong.

“Nothing comes to mind right now, but I am sure it has happened,” she says of the go-by-your-instincts rule. “You learn to look at the pros and cons of the decision you have to make.”

Remember the basics.

The Assembly Woman says that if she could break down her life into three lessons, they’d simply be summarized in three words: Faith, partnerships and confidence. “Faith–know that God loves you puts your through journeys in preparation for the future. Keep him alive within you,” she explains. “Partnerships—leadership doesn’t occur without building a network and foundation. Confidence- believe in yourself, as a young woman I battled with this but every day I get stronger. Confidence helps you in so many areas of your life.”

Take matters one at a time.

When Kreyolicious inquired about her plans for the future, Kimberly replies, “I am not quite sure, but I know it will be good. I have stopped planning for the future, instead I am focused on the now.”

And speaking of now, Kreyolicious cheries, it’s time for you to put some of these principles to use! Meanwhile…

[Photos furnished by subject.]

KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE ON TWITTER| VISIT KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE’S WEBSITE

This is your fave chick Kreyolicious with the latest episode of Kreyolicious Music. Today’s album is Chay (Carimi Music Publishing) by a group called Enposib. The first thing I noticed when listening to Enposib’s Chay album is the band’s very distinctive sound. But as I listened to songs after songs, I thought that maybe instead of doing one of my standard reviews, I could look at the album from an IRL perspective. So, let’s see what it’s like looking at life in the key of Enposib. Let’s examine the life, love and relationship lessons according to the Enposib dudes.

The band Enposib performing live. #kreyolicious

1. A promiscuous man will always be glorified as a player, while a woman who does the same will have vituperative words thrown at her.
She will get a frown and stare-downs of disgust. He’ll get a wink. Sounds like a field in the land of familiarity? This is what is essentially the gist of “Maji” (Magic), in which the narrator asks a woman with a questionable reputation if she thinks he’s a wizard. In other words, it would take a wizard to obliterate her bad reputation. “Vakabone”, he repeats over and over. “Vakabone”, of course, is the Creole equivalent of tramp. Couldn’t help but note some low-key misogyny on this track. The guy calls himself a “vakabon” in the later verses—er, vakabon being the equivalent of a promiscuous man. But he utters this in a playful, almost self-jeering tone. She’s the one with the “past”, and he’s not? Throughout “Maji”, the narrator mocks the young lady. She thinks she’s going to be wifed up, he jeers, but he’s only there for a good time.

2. Watch how you treat others
The Golden Rule it’s called…do you follow it? On the song “Mete May”, the narrator sings about being played for a sucker. “Cheri ou pase’m nan tenten/Bae you done made a fool outta me.” You can feel the hurt in his tone. The next two lines are the best ones ever: “Gen jou chasè tounen jibye/Gen jou dife boule ponpye”—There’s going to be a time when the hunter becomes the prey/Some days even firemen get burned. Ooh, talk about shade. So, yes, let’s try not to do others wrong. The tables just might flip.

3. You might care deeply for someone, but the two of you may not be on the same page emotionally.
One of the most painful revelations about life, and as presented by Enposib is that sometimes the discrepancy in the maturity level of two people in a romantic relationship. The guy may be ready to settle down, but the woman may not be. The woman may be ready to make him her “one and only”, but he may not see things that way. This is the ideology presented in the song “Chay”, whose title translated to the word “Burden”. A couple are at constantly at odds with one another. Every other day is drama provoked by differing communication styles.

4. Some friendships will never go past the platonic level.
Bom Sou De Bò (Kiss Me On Both Cheeks) delineates a likely story. Boy loves girl, but girl sees things another way. She’s oblivious to his feelings. He wants a kiss on the lips, but she’d rather not. This song has really great production. And every lyrical line sounds like a tongue-twister. Great job on the part of the lead singer. So, yeah, some feelings can be one-sided. At times, it’s a good idea to just back out. What is meant to be, will be. Aggressive behavior will only indicate major desperation and alienate the subject of one’s affection.

5. There’s no replacing the love of your life.
Some people will always be irreplaceable as expressed on the track “Mwen Avè’w” (Me and You). There are feelings that you have for someone that you will never, ever feel for anybody—even if you move the heavens and the earth, and the entire galaxy. A sample of the lyrics: “Nou pa byen lè nou pa men nan men/Mwen pa kwè gen tankou’w (Things don’t feel right when we’re not together/You’re one of a kind)).

So, there you have it folks…Enposib Chay album.

Every other song on Chay is about pursuing pleasures of the flesh. Lust, lust, lust. Do some men think of anything else? Apparently not. How can we get them to read more books? How we can get them to leaf through the Book of Ephesians? I dunno.

I like how on songs like “Domino” and “Bom Sou De Bò”, the songwriters play with metaphors with things like the game of domino and traditional Haitian kissing to make their point. The arrangements on “Mwen Avè’w” are stellar, and I liked the unpredictability of “Maji”, though I’m still miffed about some of the things that are insinuated on that track. “Mete’w May” has these really contagious harmonies. Chay is a debut album, so it’ll be interesting to see how this band grows from here. Goodness knows, there’s already set on the right track.

Let’s do our best to support Haitian music! Support Haitian artists by purchasing their music, and by leaving ahem, positive reviews on platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and CDBaby to help others discover their work. Hooray! This has been another episode of Kreyolicious Music brought to you by your fave chick Kreyolicious. Until next time!

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ENPOSIB CHAY ALBUM ON AMAZON| CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ENPOSIB CHAY ON iTUNES|