Kreyolicious Artist Spotlight…in which…in which I present to you, dear kreyolicious cheries…to an artist you should know about. Today’s person of interest is a fifteen-year-old named Laureine Lilavois, a songbird based in Port-au-Prince. She tells me that she recorded her first song “The Same” (available on iTunes) at just 13. Amazing no? What’s more amazing is that on her song “The Same”, she displays all the vocal maturity you’d expect of someone of her age flipped—some 31-year old. File her under soft-core R&B with just, just a tinge of a world sound.

Let’s get to know her better dear kreyolicious cheries.

Kreyolicious—Tell us more about yourself.

I am currently in Secondaire Un—10th grade—and have done all my studies in the Haitian-French system. I love going to the beach and hanging out with my friends. I love to be myself—no matter how weird it may seem to others. Luckily, my friends are just as weird as me and we usually have a great time no matter what we are doing or where we are.

Kreyolicious: Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey?

No hesitation there: Whitney Houston. I choose her because she has a powerful voice—and above all—I feel the emotions rushing out through the words as she sings. She makes me feel the pain or joy she felt when she wrote or sang the song.

Kreyolicious: Do you drink lemon tea and honey to take care of your voice as some singers tend to do?

Yes. I especially use honey. It helps to clear up my vocal chords.

Kreyolicious: I read that you were born in the USA, and moved back to Haiti with your parents.

I moved to Haiti with my parents at the age of one. I grew up here. It’s my home. I travel to the States a few times a year for vacation and to visit family.

Kreyolicious: From your view of things, how is the musical scene in Haiti looking right now?

The music scene in Haiti now is awesome. We have our konpa, but we listen to all types of music here. We celebrate and encourage all genres of music in Haiti and have many festivals and parties allowing artists from around the world to showcase [themselves].

Kreyolicious: Will you be releasing an album soon? What do you have cooking musically?

For the moment, I am focusing on my studies. I have many songs written in their preliminary stages. When a topic comes to mind or something or someone inspires me, I write it down in my music journal. I have a few favorites and hope someday to complete them and share with the world.

Kreyolicious: How did you know that you had it in you—this singing thing?

My parents say I’ve been singing even before I could speak. [Laughter] I had my first onstage singing experience in Kindergarten. I’ve always loved singing, it’s just a part of me.

Kreyolicious: And what do your parents have to say about all of this? Are they like, “Laureine girl, as long as you become a nurse on the side, it’s perfectly okay if you pump up that microphone”?

My parents are my biggest supporters. They have encouraged me all along the way and I know they always will. Of course, like most parents, they want me to graduate from college—which I fully intend to do.

[All photos courtesy of BlowUp Records.]

PURCHASE LAUREINE’S MUSIC ON iTunes | LAUREINE ON INSTAGRAM |

In Kreyolicious’ relentless efforts to acquaint you with up-and-coming artists, we’d like to present you today with BaskerBen, a musical artist who’s based in Jacksonville.

K. St. Fort: Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kervens B. Bastien. I was born and raised in Haiti. Moved to the USA in 2006, and I’ve been living here since.

K. St. Fort: How long have you been doing music?

I’ve been doing music for as long as I can remember, but it was just for fun. It wasn’t until around 2010 that I decided to let it be public.

K. St. Fort: How did you get the name Baskerben?

I came up with the name when I was creating my very first email address. It’s a combination of my full name. Last, first and middle name: Bastien Kervens Benjamin

K. St. Fort: Can you recall your first performance?

The first time I ever performed in front of a big crowd was at my older brother’s wedding back in 2006. I got so nervous, I forgot the words. But I was creative enough to come up with my own words. The downside of that is the song was a popular song which everyone knew. So they knew I was messing up.
It was quite embarrassing.

K. St. Fort: What’s it like in the studio?

The studio is my favorite spot. I mostly work with my main producer who’s also my cousin, Spencer Brutus. Whenever we’re in the lab, it’s like magic. He’s really good with melodies and I do my thing with words. So together, we just make magic.

K. St. Fort: Who are your main inspirations?

Growing up, R.Kelly used to be my favorite singer. I’ve always wanted to sing instead of rap, but rap just kind of grew on me and once I started doing it, I fell in love with it. To answer your question I love music, I listen to all type of music but I don’t have anyone that I consider my main inspiration.

K. St. Fort: What is the music scene like right now in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is where I live, so music scene over here still on rise as far as Haitians are concerned. If I’m not mistaken, I think it’s only two of us doing it publicly—myself and another talented konpa singer. But if we’re talking about the US in general, I’ve only performed in a few other cities thus far; such as Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. People seems to love what I do and they always ask for more.

K. St. Fort: What are your musical plans for the future?

I love making music and I will continue to do so regardless for as long as I can. Right now we’re still at the start. I have my debut album Different Approach. It’s a blend of zouk, rap and konpa. I also have the album release concert on July 26th 2014 in Jacksonville, FL. For the future, I’m just looking forward to see how far I can push this movement.

BaskerBen’s On Soundcloud | Buy His Music On iTunes | Connect With the Artist On Facebook |