Ask singer Beethova Obas about his childhood and the inevitable images of his father Charles emerge like musical notes in his mind. He pictures himself dancing while while his father skillfully plays an accordion. In addition to playing that instrument, Charles Obas was a well-known painter. Beethova Obas doesn’t remember absorbing his father’s creative process–he says he was only four years old at the time of his father’s death—but he certainly can be proud of continuing the artistic chain.

With albums with titles like Kè’m Pozé [My Heart’s at Peace], Futur [Future], Si [If], Pa Prese [Don’t Rush], Obas has created a career out of crafting meaningful albums, with a decidedly world sound. One only has to study a mere chapter of his career to see that he has been a bard of sorts, singing hope-charged messages in his roots-based, jazz-tinged ballads.

Obas says that one of the unforgettable highlights of his career thus far was recording one of his albums with the Waclows Philharmonic Orchestra.

Were you named after Beethoven? That’s the first thing that came to mind for me to ask you.

Yes, my father, Charles Obas was inspired by the great classic composer Beethoven.

Who taught you how to sing? Or was the passion for singing born in you?

I began to sing very late. I began as author and composer—not as a singer. I took singing lessons and music at the InterAmericana University where I had dual degrees in economics and in music. The music and singing classes were precious to me.

I read that your dad turned up missing when you were little. How did that affect your family?

My dad did not turn up missing; my father was killed by the Duvalier regime. His disappearance affected the whole family at every level: social status, economically—even more in an emotional way. Suddenly, we did not [perform] well in school.

Do you think if he had been there to see you through life, you would have been an entirely different person?

Absolutely, life would be different. My perception of life would be different…

I also read that your father left a great number of instruments in the house.

He left an accordion and a guitar.

And which ones were you attracted to?

I was attracted to both. I started with the accordion, and it was too heavy to carry than the guitar.

How did you learn how to write songs?

You learn by listening to other composers, by practicing also…my first known song was “Plezi Mizè” [Pleasure in Misery].

What pushed you to write this song called “Lage’l”?

Haiti has been since since the beginning of my career my source of inspiration and music is one of the artistic expressions I like most. “Lage’l” was the expression of the situation.

What can you tell us about your first album, Le chant de Liberté.

Le Chant de Liberté [Liberty Song] has a story linked to my family.

It was financed by my father because we had sold a painting of Charles Obas’, our father, to [produce] the album. My older brother Klebert had proposed it and my three other brothers agreed. All the songs were written by me except “Koka Bò Kou” written by Pascal Jean Winer who wrote the lyrics. As I had more than eight songs, my friend Ralph Boncy and my brothers helped me to make a selection of the tracks. After the success of ¨Lage’l¨ [Let it Go] and ¨Kole Zepòl” [Stick Together], the album was eagerly awaited.

You released another album Si, four years later. Can you discuss it?

Referring to fans’ opinion, the album Si is the anthology of my six albums; once again Si was the answer to Haitians’ situation at that time. Thanks to the song “Nou Pa Moun” [Ya’ll Ain’t Human] that I recorded with a world-known Martinique band, my songs were diffused in all the French broadcast outlets. I signed with a French label.

In preparation for this interview, I was doing research on your songs, and this one called “Couleur Cafe” stood out for its jazzy feel. What does that song mean to you?

“Couleur Café”  [Color of Coffee] is one of my favorites interpretations. This song was written by a worldwide known singer Serge Gainsbourg. I always say that I warmed the coffee of Serge Gainsbourg, bringing to it the Haitian flavor.

As someone who got his start as a songwriter, what advice would you like to give about song composition?

You must be an excellent observer and enrich your musical vocabulary everyday. Then feel free to express yourself.

Tell us about the recording of the album Kèm Poze.

Kè’m Pozé  is a spiritual message in a specific time of my life. The content of this album is spiritual.

Are there certain elements that make a hit song?

When it carries the message waited by the people, when it talks to people’s hearts.

Photo Credit: Thomas Celis

So, you have a brother who sings as well. How cool. Did the two of you ever thought of putting a band together?

Manno and I have been talking about this project, we already have the name of it: Mannothove Cocktail.

You’ve worked with a plethora of artists. Which ones would you say have been the most inspiring, and the most impressive?

Ralph Thamar, Joceline Berouard, Manno Charlemagne. With them, I’ve learned so many things [of significance] to my career.

Up to this point in your career, which of your albums have been your most mind-blowing, in terms of not only what it did to your career, but also what it made you feel…like, which one made you feel your essence as an artist?

I love all the albums, once they are recorded. It’s up to people to make their opinion on each one of them. They have made their choice. I think Si seems to be the one…

What are you working on now?

TiCorn and myself are working on a new project to honor the great song-writer, author, lyricist Jean-Claude Martineau—more known under the name of Koralen.

What do you treasure the most in your life?

I’m trying to keep a balance between my family and my career.

What sort of counsel would you like to give to other artists who are on their way?

You must be an excellent observer and enrich your musical vocabulary everyday. Then feel free to express yourself.

Beethova Obas Music on CD Baby| Facebook |

As the owner of Mimi’s Fashion Boutiq, Mimi Mora has a solid reputation as a fashion visionary and entrepreneur, and the organizer of the very popular Mimi’s Boutiq Fashion Show. So, earlier this year, when she announced across her social media channels that she was holding a business brunch for women, tickets were purchased and downloaded faster than you can say the word tifi. The all-white brunch attracted a host of young professionals, fledgling entrepreneurs, and socialites.

Kreyolicious: What made you do this brunch?
I’ve had the idea written down for the past two years now. Since I didn’t do my yearly fashion show this year, and I happened to stumble across that same notebook I wrote the idea, I figured it was a sign for me to finally do it; and since March is Women’s Month, I figured why not? Great opportunity to gather a group of women together and empower each other.

Kreyolicious: Was the word “challenge” something you would use to describe how the brunch came together?
There’s always challenge in greatness. What I mean is that, whenever you decide to do something positive, you will always come across some challenges. To answer your question, it wasn’t as big of a challenge how the brunch came together because I always write down my plan but I did a few little challenges here and there.

Kreyolicious: What are some books you’d recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would highly recommend: Year of Yes by Shona Rhimes, I absolutely love this book, GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso and Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.

[Photo Credit: Oli Photographie]

Kreyolicious: All attendees wore white. Was there some sort of symbolism behind this dress code?
No, no symbolism at all. I love white, and I love brunches, so I figured it would be a perfect combo. Besides, the color white is pure, it is considered to be the color of perfection. White also represents a successful beginning.

Kreyolicious: Have you ever thought of having a brunch like this in Haiti or a Mimi’s Fashion show there?
Oh, absolutely. I have thought about it for the fashion show mostly. I’m working on it. God willing it will happen soon…

[Above: Mimi Mora…Photo Credit: Cindy Lafalaise]

Kreyolicious: Entrepreneurship has been described as a roller-coaster. What do you do when things are upside down? And what do you do when they’re looking up?
I pray. It takes a lot to be an entrepreneur but prayer is my key to everything. I also try to keep a positive mindset in everything I do. Easier said than done but I try my best every time to do so when things are down.

When they are looking up, I pray even harder. The devil likes to attack you when things appear to be looking good so I stay prayed-up always. I also make sure I work harder to keep them good. Like you said, it’s a roller coaster. You can only work hard and do your best, and expect for the best to come out of what you do.

Kreyolicious: If you were starting your business this year, what would you do differently?
Start fresh which I did. New year, new start, same person though. What I mean by starting fresh is come up with new plans, new strategy to better myself and my business. My business can’t function well if the owner is not in a good place. I look back to the mistakes that I made, write things down and figure out what needs to be better this year. My goal is to make my brand known internationally.

CLICK HERE to keep up with Mimi Mora!

Imagine my reaction upon learning about Ronald Agénor, while roaming the Internet. Agénor is one of the world’s biggest tennis champions. According to the book Blacks at the Net: Black Achievement in the History of Tennis, the now tennis-legend was the first known Haitian to win a gold medal at an international event when he won the men’s title at the 1982 edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games. That triumph was to be one of many in his career as a tennis athlete. The following year, he competed in the Port Washington Junior Championship after having reached the semi-finals at the Orange Bowl in Miami, and winning matches at the Monte Carlo Juniors and the famed Astrid Bowl in Belgium.

Agénor retired at 38, having turned into a millionaire over the years thanks to prizes he earned for his skills on the court—and after having had one of the longest careers as a tennis star. In the early 2000s, Agénor left France for the United States, and competed first at the Birmingham Finals, then at the French and U.S. Open. In the aforementioned book Blacks at the Net: Black Achievement in the History of Tennis author Sundiata Djata points out that Agénor’s rejection of French citizenship and his insistence on playing under the Haitian flag cost him a lot of career-furthering sponsorships from France, but that decision doesn’t really top the tennis legend’s regret list one bit.

Today, Agénor is the proud father of two daughters, and lives with his wife and proud supporter Tonya Williams in Los Angeles. He is not only a world class tennis champion, but also an activist (he is a member of Champions for Peace club) and remains loyal to the game, having founded the Ronald Agénor Tennis Academy in California. He also mentors up-and-coming stars in the world of tennis. Among them is Takangi Garangawa, a native of Zimbabwe who’s making major noise in the world of tennis. Beyond the court, the tennis champ has always loved music and actually plays the guitar. This year, he’s releasing Strings of My Life, an 11-song set of songs in English and French.

Here he is, reflecting on his life, career and tennis.

You were actually born in Morocco.
Yes, in Rabat in 1964. My parents, my three brothers and two sisters were all born in Haiti. My dad—Frédéric Agénor—moved from Haiti to Morocco as he was developing a project for the Moroccan government. In 1974, he became a diplomat at the United Nations and I spent another four years in the Congo before going to Bordeaux in 1978 where I lived for 19 years.
He was directing projects for the FAO—the Food Agriculture Organization—and became Minister of Agriculture in Haiti in 1989.

How did the love for the court develop in you?
In the Congo, I was going to school only in the morning and I got the opportunity to play tennis almost every afternoon. My older brother Lionel who became my coach and mentor was sending me the French tennis magazines and I was dreaming about competing against the best French players of my age. I was also looking up to Arthur Ashe and Bjorn Borg.

In your career as a tennis champion, is there one moment of triumph that you will always hold close to your heart?
Winning my first ATP World Tour Event was a great moment but winning the Gold Medal for Haiti at the Caribbean Games in Havana, Cuba in 1982 was something very special as well as winning my first ATP point in France in 1983 that gave me my first world ranking. Reaching the quarter finals at the Grand Slam of Roland Garros in Paris was was also very intense. <a

Roland Agénor in a candid moment.

Why did you choose to represent Haiti, though you had never really lived there?
It was not a choice but more of something that was natural as after winning the gold medal in Cuba in 1982, I became the sensation in Haiti as this feat was never achieved before I did it. Upon my return from Cuba, so many people were waiting for me at the airport and from there I represented Haiti during my nineteen-year career. I never really lived in Haiti, I would just go every year to spend the holidays with my family or train with my brother Lionel.

Looking back now, and knowing all you do now, are there certain things that you regret, or wish you had done differently?
I don’t regret anything. I would certainly do certain things differently today with the experience I have.

Did you encounter any racism over the course of your career?
I did from time to time in Europe and in America as well, but racism is a disease and if you look around today it keeps spreading around the world. All forms of racism should be eradicated.

Sports celebrities are often hounded by a lot of female fans, especially off the court. Was that the case with you?
I was no exception to the “rule”, but I always kept my head on my shoulders.

Did your father ever give you any advice on how to manage your career?
Sometimes I would not listen really and it makes me upset when I think about it today. He did have a great vision for me and always said that tennis was not the end, just a mean to getting somewhere else in life. When he was Minister of Agriculture in Haiti in 1989, I was named Honorary Consul of Haiti in Bordeaux. He always thought that I would be a great Diplomat for Haiti and do big things for the country when my tennis career was over, but the reality of Haiti caught up with me and I have not been able to do anything.

Agénor today with his family in a sit-down photo taken in Atlanta, Georgia.

You have two daughters Sascha Lourdes Agénor and Chloe Iman Agénor. If they showed interest in tennis, would you be willing to groom them to be like Althea Gibson, or Venus and Serena Williams?
Absolutely. Sascha is the oldest and will start to play some 10 and Under tournaments in 2013. They both have been playing consistently, but with me back traveling this year, it has slowed their progression down a bit. I will support them whether they want to pursue a professional tennis career or play for one of the top colleges and universities in America. If they don’t want to play tennis further down the road that is also not a problem.

You’re a member of the Champions for Peace club.
This is basically an organization based in Monaco and presided by SAS Prince Albert of Monaco II. The Champions for Peace club is composed by a few current and, or former world class athletes and they give their time or image to promote Peace through Sport around the world especially in countries that have been ravaged by war.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
It was in 2009. Prior to that I came back in Haiti in 2008 for the first time since 1998, so almost 10 years. I started a project to build a tennis complex and set up a tennis academy for young Haitians so they could be well-prepared to compete in international events, but most importantly pursue tennis college scholarships in the USA. This was in collaboration with the Haitian government, but after a good start everything collapsed in 2009. It was a very big disappointment for me.

Is that something you still would like to pursue?
The tennis project I had for Haiti is not something I want to pursue at this present time, but who knows one day if the will is there from the rulers of sports in Haiti maybe I will pursue it again.

Not too long ago, I came across the story of this guy, a Jean-Claude Armand, who was Haiti’s outstanding tennis champion in the 1950s. Did you know about him?
I knew Jean-Claude, he was a great guy, a great athlete and he had an incredible passion for sports especially tennis and body building.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in life?
Don’t take anything for granted.

One of the most looked-forward-to events of the New York-based organization Haiti Cultural Exchange is its annual film festival. In its second year, the festival offers Haitiphiles and film lovers a peek at little-seen films. The projects screened are largely Haiti-themed or were produced by visual artists with a Haiti connection.

At this year’s edition, actress and director Martine Jean’s The Silent Treatment was on the cinematic menu, as well as Wòch Nan Soley (Stones in the Sun), a feature by screenwriter-director Patricia Benoit. Rachelle Salnave, whose documentary on Haiti’s elite em>La Belle Vie has been garnering a great deal of buzz since pre-production, offered—The Father of Little Haiti—a short documentary on the life of Viter Juste, a pioneer in the Haitian community in Florida. The Canadian-Haitian community wasn’t left out of the programming. Créer Pour Se Recréer [Create to Recreate] by Marie-Denise Douyon of Canada was also part of the festival’s programming, as were several shorts from Ciné Institute, Haiti’s film school.

Michelle Stephenson, the co-director of the festival, shared some thoughts on this year’s edition.

Q & A

The HCX Haiti Film Fest is in its second year. What were some of the lessons that you learned and some things you noted from the first edition?
The biggest thing we noted from the first edition is that in NYC there is definitely a demand for films about and by Haitians. We had sold-out crowds to our events and screenings. This just motivated us to regroup and continue a tradition. This second round is equally as exciting. Our plans are now to have this event on a bi-annual basis. We hope it becomes an integral fabrics to New York City cultural life. Something people look forward to and plan for.

As someone who has a film background—you are the co-founder of a film production company Rada Film Group—does being a part of a film fest…is that an easy task?
It’s never an easy task. Putting a film festival together is like producing a film. It’s a production. Luckily, I have not had to do much of the heavy lifting. Regine Roumain and her team have been able to produce the festival in such a seamless way that it appears effortless. but that is the beauty of hard work. I have simply had the pleasure of watching films and help in the curation of the festival programming. It was a delight.

What do you think of the current state of the Haitian film industry?
Hmmm… what I do know is that there is a vibrant community of Haitian filmmakers, both in Haiti and abroad, who are eager to tell their stories and share their experiences in such a variety of ways. Support for making these films, is not as easy. That is the missing link. We know there are audiences and the talent exists. The question is really about how do we bridge that connection. We need to think outside of the box when it comes to getting these stories told and made. The internet has somehow made some of this possible.

The film fest also features an Emerging Filmmakers Networking Event, a rare, if not a first in the Haitian community in terms of being an all-around networking and connecting opportunity for industry newbies and veterans.
We believe it is crucial for there to be an exchange between the generation of filmmakers. So lessons learned and opportunities for collaboration and mentoring can happen. It is truly crucial to have mentors in this industry, in order to be able to move ahead and share knowledge. We hope our event can foster those relationships

In terms of the long terms objectives of the festival—what are you and the HCX Haiti Film Festival team planning for fans for next year’s edition?
HCX has actually planned to have the festival on a biannual basis. So the next edition will be in 2015. Having the festival biannually allows for more new film product to be made and for us to choose from.

Stephenson poses with Haiti Cultural Exchange staff members at the Haiti Cultural Exchange Film Festival.

Among the projects being screened are some of the works from Cine Institute, Haiti’s only official film school.
Our Cine Institute pieces are part of the fabric of the festival. We did this during the first film fest in 2011 and I believe we will continue to do this for the upcoming festivals as well. We need to support the school and the students’ work in Haiti, and what better way than to showcase their stories.

What factors went in programming the festival? You co-chaired with David Belle. Was it difficult eliminating it down to 21 films?
Yes, paring down the films is always difficult. Part of our approach was to make sure that Haitian filmmakers were represented from all walks of life and from different parts of the diaspora. In some ways, we want the festival to be a reflection of our own varied Haitian experience and just how our diaspora is spread out, while many of us still maintain such strong ties to our families and friends in Haiti.

One of the selections of the festival is Viter Juste, The Father of Little Haiti directed by Rachelle Salnave. When you first viewed this film, what was your overall impression of this pioneer?
He felt like family even though I had never met him. The stories his son told about him seemed so familiar to the black immigrant experience. At the same time, Viter seemed like such an exceptional man who wanted to not just leave a legacy for those who would come to Miami after him. But it seemed like he wanted to also send a clear message to the majority culture in this country. We are here, we are proud and we are here to stay and be respected. I was blown away by his commitment to community.

What do you think viewers will get from viewing that documentary?
It depends on the audience. Some will connect, like I did—like family. Others, unfamiliar with Haiti and its diaspora will be taught something new, and hopefully will gain a more complicated sense of what Haitian identity means.

[Photo Credit: Stephenson headshot—Ozier Muhammad]

Corhinn Bruno could gloat if she wanted to, but modesty lies in her breast. The media mogul and fashion industry entrepreneur is the mastermind behind the CCWC Trunk Show, a fashion showcase extravaganza that has been taking place in South Florida in the past three years. She’s successfully molded it from start-up level to an event that many consider to be a staple in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami fashion scene. Emerging fashion designers from Miami, LA, Port-au-Prince—and as far as West Africa—assembled at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale last month, and showed off their collection of jewelry, accessories, men and women’s wear.

Above: Fashion and media entrepreneur Corhinn Bruno (with black top) on stage at the CCWC Trunk Show.

One of the factors that makes the CCWC Trunk Show standout is that each year, the entrepreneur hand-picks a cause to which she donates part of the proceeds from the show. This year’s edition of the CCWC Trunk show, for example, benefited the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc and the year before that Free Yourself Women’s Foundation, an organization that financially helps women fleeing domestic violence–was the beneficiary. The show’s attendees are also treated to a musical performance. The group Dat7 provided entertainment for this year’s event.

Now that Corhinn has had the chance to breathe after putting on yet another spectacular show for her fans, she’s able to give me a rundown of how things went down. And most of all, how it all started.

Kreyolicious: Now, what made you start the CCWC trunk show?

I was looking to create a platform where women who were part of my club were able to expose their small businesses to the world at an affordable price. The CCWC Trunk Show was created out of pure necessity, really. I will never forget our first one in 2012. It was small. However, everyone enjoyed themselves, and it has become what it is today because of the support of my community. Moreover, I can proudly say that I never do anything without giving back to my community. Since day one we have donated to causes that the world can relate to and this year we’ve honored the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention Inc.

Kreyolicious: What surprised you about this year’s edition?

Well, the only surprise really was the award that I received for Outstanding Leadership from South Florida’s Top Models Inc. I knew about the nomination. However, I had no idea about the whole speech and award. I can’t thank them enough for making me feel special on that day. I knew that I was going into business with the sole purpose of helping others with no expectation of being recognized or awarded for what I do—but I have to tell you when your peers do acknowledge your work—it is the best feeling ever.

Above: Corhinn Bruno hands over the check to the representatives of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc, the cause of this year’s CCWC Trunk Show.

Kreyolicious: What does it take to organize a fashion event of that caliber?

Faith. Yes it takes a lot of faith. As an event planner I already anticipate that whatever can go wrong will go wrong. The key is to be prepared to the best of your ability and to have faith that your event will turn out the way it was anticipated. The organization of that event was not easy, especially when I had designers coming all the way from Ghana [in] Africa. Sally Torpey, a designer from Ghana, specifically flew in for that purpose. She sacrificed a lot to be able to expose her line in America. I only wanted to give her the best, and with that mind frame, the event evolved to what you saw.

Kreyolicious: Let’s talk about your other love…broadcasting…Will you be bringing back the Corhinn show?​

[Laughter] I don’t know how many times I have been asked that question. I can’t say for sure that I will. However, when I become financially free, I would definitely explore that possibility.

Kreyolicious: What can your fans expect from next year’s edition?

What I love with my trunk shows is that I get to explore my own creativity. I already have my theme for next year however I can’t reveal it at this point, you will have to stay tuned for this one.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to other aspiring entrepreneurs who’d like to get into events?

For those who would like to get into events, know that it’s not easy and that you can’t do it alone. You will need a strong team behind you that understands how you work and are willing to sacrifice as much as you do. On that note, I definitely would like to take this moment to thank my team S and C Events By Design, Metallic Bubbles and Bibi KonneXtion and BBP. I have to tell you that without them this beautiful show could not have been possible.

Photos: Sony Laventure/LMI Design Group

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