Teen singer Julie Marie is like most 12th graders who are home-schooled, except that, well, she spends her weekends doing the most interesting things. Like performing “Haiti Girl” in front of fans at BET Experience, and being interviewed by MTV. Interesting things, as in performing in stadiums around the nation, opening for the R&B/pop group act Mindless Behavior. Born in New Hampshire to an American mom and a Haitian dad, the singer-songwriter has already released her first EP entitled “The Movement.” And it’s her voice behind the Generation Z love anthem “Generation”.

Kreyolicious: First off, how long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing professionally for about two years now. But I started singing in church since I was 9 years.

Kreyolicious: While you were singing in church, did you find yourself struck by the voices of any singers in particular?

When I was about 10, I went to my first concert, and it happened to be Alicia Keys. When I saw her up on stage doing her thing, I was star-struck. After the concert, I even got braids in my hair. That was the moment I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be on stage and have everyone looking up at me singing along to my songs.

Kreyolicious: Where was this—what venue?

Boston. TD Garden.

Kreyolicious: What was it about her and her singing?

I think it was just the way she carried herself. When she was on stage, she was just having fun doing what she loves—and you could see it in her eyes.

Kreyolicious: You were born and raised in New Hampshire. What was that like?

It’s most definitely different from L.A…The lifestyle there is very homey and everyone is family- orientated. Everyone cared about you basically. It was a culture shock moving to L.A…because you already know the industry…and for me the way I was raised was way different from the the lifestyle here.

Kreyolicious: Do you think you’ve fully adapted at this point?

To be honest…No. I don’t think anyone could adjust to it. It just really important to keep yourself grounded with good people and always remember where you came from. That’s how I go about everyday.

Kreyolicious: This past weekend, you had to do two shows. How do you keep your energy up when you have back-to-back performances scheduled?

I love it! I love performing! I don’t even get nervous! it’s crazy. If I could perform back-to-back shows everyday that would be amazing! But when it comes to getting tired, I keep my Takis, Monster, and Kool-Aid close by.

Kreyolicious: What do you usually do to prep for a show?

Right before a show I eat Takis. It’s kinda become a tradition for me. Then, my dancers and team turn up and dance backstage and pray right before we go on.

Kreyolicious: So, you’ve already recorded an EP entitled “The Movement”. Can you discuss putting it together?

The processes of making “The Movement” was amazing, but also a bit stressful. I love being the studio. I could be there all day—everyday. The only hard part so to say would be choosing what songs would make the EP.

Kreyolicious: Did you have a lot of songs to choose from? And how did you determine which to include?

Not a lot. The team came in and we listened to the songs and it is just about choosing hits. “What will the fans love?” is the questions you have to ask yourself.

Kreyolicious: Did you write all of the songs on the EP?

I co-write my songs with my producer. I keep a journal with me everywhere I go, and I write about how I feel about certain situations going in my life or something that I see. And then when I get into the studio, we turn it into a song.

Kreyolicious: That’s awesome. I think it’s always nice when a performer can also create their own material.

Exactly…It’s more real. The artist connects to the song more.

Kreyolicious: How long did it take for the actual recording of the album?

From start to finish…about eight months.

Kreyolicious: Oh, wow…I think it’s pretty cool that you have a non-profit foundation. What made you start it? And what’s the latest with it?

Thank you! I started when I turned 16. Being half-Haitian and hearing about the earthquake, I wanted to do something about it. For my sweet sixteen, instead of having presents, I had everyone donate towards my charity. Then in July [2013], I went to Haiti for about a month and just gave back. It was amazing to be there and see how they live. It really opened my eyes and made me a lot more grateful for what I have.

Kreyolicious: That’s cool. Was that your first time going to Haiti?

Yes, it was.

Kreyolicious: Going back anytime soon?

I’m planning on going there and doing a concert. I’m very much looking forward to it. My song “Haiti Girl” is going crazy over there so I can’t wait to go back.

Kreyolicious: What were your impressions of the country?

I love how everyone is family…like literally everyone [Laughter] the whole town is your family! I love how everything is so chill and you can just relax and crack some jokes on the beach.

Kreyolicious: What part did you go to?

Port-au-Prince briefly. Mainly Les Cayes and Port-Salut.

Kreyolicious: Do you know Creole?

Yes. Fluently. My grandmother taught me when she came to the US when I was 4.

Kreyolicious: Your parents moved to Los Angeles to support your career, so obviously they approve of your career choice. What’s the biggest lesson they’ve taught you?

The biggest lesson they’ve taught me was to remember where I came from.

Kreyolicious: Speaking of where you came from…where do you want to end up in your career?

L.A. I plan on staying here. Eventually, I want to move to England for a short time, but as of now, L.A.

Kreyolicious: In terms of accomplishments…in terms of a full-length album?

I’m actually starting on the album right now…I’m on tour with Mindless Behavior and Aaron Carter so soon I am going to be doing my own tour and selling out arenas.

VISIT JULIE MARIE’S WEBSITE| FOLLOW JULIE MARIE ON TWITTER| BUY HER MUSIC ON iTUNES| JULIE MARIE ON YOUTUBE

When you’ve lived in Paris for most of your life, moving to New York can be grunting, even for a native New Yorker. Such was the cup of pretty boy model Luka Sabbat, when he relocated to the city where dreams are made true. There was the expected culture shock. “It was just kind of weird in the way people acted,” Luka remarks when drawing NYC and Paris side by side. “People gave hugs here—when I was kissing girls cheeks for years.”

Sabbat was only three years old when his German-British stylist mom and fashion designer Haitian dad hopped on over to Europe. Back in the USA, more than a decade later, the teen was walking down Greene Street when famed shutterbug Kevin Amato stopped him. Amato was on the brink of shooting the Hood by Air campaign and thought Sabbat was ideal. More such work followed. The modeling sensation eventually signed to the agency Re:quest.

Now barely eighteen, Luka is already being called an icon by trendsetting publications like Complex and Mass Appeal. He has worn the clothes of some of the hippest clothing brands. But mind you, he’s not planning on being a model forever. The skateboard-loving, kreyolicious lad has fashion in his platelets, and has taken a strong liking towards the industry. He doesn’t just want to wear clothes anymore. He wants to make them. He doesn’t want to just convey art; he wishes to someday to create art.

How are you doing today?

I’m good bread.

That’s great. What’s people’s reaction when they find out that you’re a model?

Girls love it. Dudes just ask me how [to become one]. So many people wanna be models. I don’t know why. It’s not for everyone. Some people have no look. But, whatever. Most people think it’s just cool.

​It’s not for everyone? Why do you say that?​

‘Cause being a model isn’t for everyone. Not everyone is good looking, and not everyone has a look. Period. Just because you shot for your little homies’ big cartel brand doesn’t make you a model. Stop it.

Do you think that lookism is just as big of a problem as the other isms?

Not sure what lookism is exactly, so let me not…

​Lookism is being judged and being discriminated against because of your looks…and just being looked at a certain way by others….​

Whatever, like lookism is sort of a problem. I can spot a lame real quick and decide if you’re lame, but like Fredo Santana said: “I can look at your swag and tell that you losing, nigga”—but some people have more to them than their clothes. But, [being] lowkey makes or breaks a person in the fashion world.

Say the word modeling to some and there’s this notion of countless parties, runway shows, and stuff like that. But what is it really like? Walk us through a day in the life of Mr. Luka Sabbat, model.

Well, there is a lot of that. I get to meet many people and designers. Fashion Week is great. I get invited to shows. Great seats, then after parties. Chain smoke throughout the night and find a girl to go home with. I’m taken now, but that’s how it was.

“Destructive”, “binge-filled”, “excessive” are some of the words that have been used to describe the modeling industry. How do you stay grounded?

The men’s industry is different from the girls. Many girls encounter sexual offers as I heard of many of them and it’s relatively corrupt, depending your position and who you’re signed to and whatnot, but the men’s is simple.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

I haven’t been to Haiti yet, but going this summer—or soon—to visit some family.

Do you think that male models have it better than female models in terms of self-image?

Males definitely have a different image control. The media is sexist in a way. A woman’s image easily can be changed and is more sensitive. But, as a man, to a lot of girls I’m candy. Many girls I’ve been with were solely with me because I was a model and s__ like that.

​Wow. How long did it take you to figure out that certain girls were trying to be with you because you’re a model?

I mean, when just last year, some girls just told me, without my money or so-called “cyber fame”—I’m just a regular-ass boy. For some reason, girls are just attracted to men that have a name for themselves…or a “cool” title.

Have you since then developed a test to determine whether someone is trying to be with you out of love, or out of interest, or whether they want you to be the candy on their arm?

No tests though—just vibes. I can definitely tell. I love talking to girls who have no idea who I am nor what I do.

What makes a girl attractive?

[A] genuinely fun girl. knows when to act, knows when to step up for herself, loyal, not f__ing annoying. I mean just a bit annoying. I mean…just enough annoying. It’s only human…

[ Photo: Via Instagram; Street photo YoungJun Koo; Supreme photo via @livedopeness ]

Luka Sabbat on Instagram | Luka Sabbat on Twitter | Click Here to Visit the Luka Sabbat Website |

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Earlier this month, Miss Boss Entertainment’s Haitian Music Awards was the dominant conversation on #TeamHaiti’s social media radar. One of the topics of chatter from that award show was Kowkow, whose parka-themed outfit was deemed one of the highlights of the event by many observers.

But who’s really the man who calls himself Kowkow? And what is it about him that’s making so many youngins emulate his hefty-leather-belt-on-the-forehead-style? To begin, his real first name is Davidson. Curious about how he got the moniker Kowkow, or about what he has in store for his devoted fans? Catch up with Kowkow!

Kreyolicious: Tell us more about yourself Kowkow.
I’m also known as Bote Lavi—I’m studying Business Administration at Miami-Dade College. A lot of people don’t think I go to school [Laughter]. If only they knew [that] I’m a genius when it comes to education, they would pay me millions to school them. I’m a very intelligent guy. Besides attending school, I’m an entertainer, a poet, and I often rap. No, I don’t rap. I just kowkow on beats, which I call rap. I’m also a stylist and a walking billboard in the Haitian music industry.

With the legendary Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

Kreyolicious: How did you get the name Kowkow?
The name Kowkow was discovered from my writing skills as a poet—K.O.W [standing for] King of Words. A year later, I decided to change K.O.W to Kowkow which became more appealing and unique to myself and [my] fans.

Kreyolicious: Where did you get your sense of style?
I have a love and passion for fashion. Anything that is unusual and unique suits my creative ideas. Honestly, I don’t really look up to anyone for inspiration but myself. I basically put all my imagination in use, and continue to think about what’s next to bring to the plate, that others haven’t invented. Or should I just say reinvent? “Nothing’s new underneath the sun.” In this case, this is how my different ideas come to pass. For example, the watch on my chain and the belt I rock on my head isn’t something easy to be different with, but as for someone like myself that practices “savwa lib”—which means learning how to be free—I love it.

Kreyolicious: Being different is not always celebrated. What gives you the courage to stand out?
I would always remind myself that I live in my own world practicing savwa lib—being free to wear anything that satisfies me. If today I decide to paint my nails, or wear my shirt inside out with tags all around, [or with] fur, or even wear two different types of shoes, that’s just Kowkow. Let me be me and keep it pushing. People don’t get that, but as long as I do, that’s all that matters. I don’t care what others think or say of me. People judge anyways. This is just the beginning, and I will continue to be myself.

This concludes PART I of the interview with Kowkow. Stay tuned for PART II. Meanwhile, stay connected to Kowkow, by FOLLOWING HIS INSTAGRAM HERE!

He’s a rapper, poet, but most of all Haitian social media sensation Kowkow is a fashion bomb. He had been creating a name for himself in Miami, but he became a huge dot on a lot of folks’ radar after he showcased his unique fashion sense at Miss Boss Entertainment’s Haitian Music Entertainment Awards last month. In Part I of our interview, he gave us an introduction to himself as an artist. But let’s get to know the man behind the zany moniker a bit more!

K. St. Fort: Some folks love advice. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“Don’t worry about what haters think about you. You’re an trend, an upcoming legend, you will go very far, and don’t give up.”
Guess where I got that advice from? Me! I sleep with that advice on top of my head. I wake up and I live with it.

K. St. Fort: In your Instagram bio, you make mention of your marital status, which male celebrities seldom do. What advice would you give to men out there who would like to jump the broom…
When it comes to marriage advice, I wouldn’t say I’m the perfect adviser for those who want to jump the broom. But for those who are truly seeking for my advice, there are a lot of pretty girls out there and it is very, very, very hard to find someone that can really stay faithful. So whenever you find a lovely one that cares about you, and love you for who you really are—not because you’re a celebrity—treat her with respect. Create time for her. Girls love that a lot [Laughter], and don’t cheat. Please just don’t. Why bother losing diamond over rocks?

K. St. Fort: Which artists have inspired you?
Eminem and Kowkow. Just us. [Laughter]

K. St. Fort: Finish this sentence for me, Kowkow. My biggest regret is…
I don’t have any regrets. I always stand behind anything and everything I do—no matter what the outcome is.

K. St. Fort: Do you read a lot, Kowkow?
They say the better you read, the better you write. I guess that’s why I stopped writing because I don’t read. Paragraphs give me headaches [Laughter]. That’s just me [Laughter].

K. St. Fort: When was the last time you visited Haiti, KowKow?
The summer of 2015.

Above: Kowkow with fellow rapper Fetty Wap, sporting Kowkow-branded shirts.

K. St. Fort: What can we look forward to from KowKow?
A movement…watch out for my sense of creativity and also my clothing line. I’m also working on a EP that’s supposed to dropped this November, if God willing. Epi, Kowkow nan tet yo. Yo pral di se pa mwen wi. [And Kowkow all up their heads. They’ll swear it’s not me].

This concludes PART II of the interview with Haitian social media sensation Kowkow. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I of the interview with Kowkow. Don’t forget to check out the Kowkow visuals below! |CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW KOWKOW ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC, STYLE, AND MORE!