While we are waiting (perhaps hopelessly, perhaps in vain) for We Love You Anne to be released, it’s worth our time to look back at I Love You Anne and one of the key elements that made that movie work, and that lent to its overall popularity. And that element is Joe Zenny Jr.,. His face was more or less familiar to some, prior to seeing I Love You Anne, but after I Love You Anne, some Haitian movie fans found themselves getting a little more curious about his music. Most fans of I Love You Anne didn’t even know he was a musician, prior to seeing I Love You Anne!

With each viewing of the film, one notices something new in his performance. He has a great sense of timing, his gestures on cue. He really pinned down the character of Jude Dutreil to a “T”. Zenny playing Jude is one of the few times in many a person’s movie watching, that the female audience would not have minded if the bad guy made off with the girl, and they rode/galloped off into the white horse through the star-filled night.

Was it his experience in acting in music videos that helped him to put on such a great performance? One can contend that, this is not the case, as all singers turned actors would be capable of putting on great theatrical performances, and we all know that this isn’t the case.

The scene that many find rather riotous is the one in which he (Zenny as Jude Dutreil) is having that showdown with Beatrice Thales. He has a position to be filled at Judet Tours, his travel agency, and, well, in a country where jobs are far and few (or so we suppose), he wants her to do a little something extra, extra to get the position. She’s not that type of girl, thank you very much. But he’s that type of guy, oh mercy! A heated verbal argument ensues. The job offer is rescinded. Ms. Beatrice Thales gathers her dignity and storms off. The police inspector and friend of Jude Dutreil, Wesley Lisquet (Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine), walks in, asking why the girl left in such a huff. Jude affirms that the girl did not want to, er, put out, and had the audacity to want a job.

Zenny is never so charming as when he is having that office exchange with Ms. Thales. And how handsome he looks when he’s sitting in Bicha’s living room, trying to coax Anne into forgetting Don Kato, and getting into the Jude Dutreil lover chariot.

So, post-I Love You Anne, Zenny has starred in another franchise, Oasis and afterwards Hiatus, the two Francette Agnant films. Watching Oasis in its entirety and studying in the movie causes one to come to the conclusion that his performance in I Love You Anne was not a fluke. He isn’t an accidental actor.

What should his next move be? He’s certainly has done the franchise thing. Hey, two franchises: the I Love You Anne franchise, and the Oasis franchise. We would not recommend that he play a serial killer or anything, but perhaps he should try to do something different, so as to not be static. A period movie would be too expensive to make, but perhaps he should be entertaining other offers from Africa (as Jimmy Jean-Louis has done), or see about working with a Caribbean director of caliber, perhaps Christian Lara, Raoul Peck, or the ever talented Euzhan Palcy. Making another Haitian movie is not out of the question, but it must be something of quality, that will take his career forward, and judging from how selective he’s been regarding his roles post-I Love You Anne, it’s safe to say that he realizes the importance his selection of roles signifies for his career, and that each project he undertakes must take his acting career to the next level, or else it’s in vain.

Hiatus (Oasis II), Zenny’s last movie was released more than three years so Zenny definitely needs to keep the momentum going on his acting career. He certainly has the thespian chops. He should put them to more extensive use.

Darline Exume is no ordinary medical student. In her fifth year of medical school, she’s a professional model.

She’s the founder of the We Care Haiti Foundation, a non-profit that provides free medical mobile services, medication, and school supplies to residents of Haiti’s rural and remote areas.

She’s a former Miss Progress Haiti, and won the Miss Haiti United Continents title two years ago. Currently, she’s the reigning Miss Grand Haiti International.

Kreyolicious: When you were younger, was there ever an aspect of your physical self that you felt self-conscious about? How did you get over it?
Ever since I was little…and as far as my adult years, there was always an aspect of my physical self that I felt self-conscious about. It always made me feel uncomfortable and uneasy with myself. And when someone would stare at me, I’d always be ready to turn away…or give a quick explanation to explain away the object of all the staring…without being asked. The physical aspect of myself that I’m referring to is my hair. Ever since I was little, I had something called alopecia…it’s a disease that keeps your hair from growing in a particular spot. It could be at the front side of the head, in the center…or at the sides of your head. Mine was on both sides of my head. Because of that, I could never get the hair styles I really wanted. I had to comb my hair in a way that covered the bald spots. Despite a lot of different treatments, I could never find a solution. As I grew older, I learned that I had to keep this little problem from having too much power over my self-confidence. I started to think about what hair style I could put on that would teach me how to love, accept, and live with it. But even in contemplating this, I still lacked the courage to make the change…to shave my head bald. I met with my modeling agent Matti Domingue and she helped me a lot in making this decision. She brought me to a hairstylist and I cut off all my hair. Now, I felt more confident in myself, more secure and comfortable. These days, I don’t think of alopecia as something that bothers me.

Above: Beauty in a poet’s blouse. [Photo Credit: Hugue-Robert Marsan]

Kreyolicious: That’s a very inspiring story…How did you get into modeling?
I started modeling in 2010. I didn’t have any experience. A friend of mine made me register for this beauty contest and I placed second. After that, I received so much encouragement from friends and strangers alike—their saying that I had the talent to become a model. I started to discover it myself. I started taking pictures and posting them on social media. Photographer and designers started to contact me. I started to network with people, and eventually I started entering all these different national and international pageants…including Miss Grand Haiti. I started to follow a lot of popular local and international models just to get a sense of how things were. So, that’s how I started.

Kreyolicious: Do you work out?
Yes, I work out. I do it by sessions. By that I mean…I could work out for three months…stop for three months…then start all over again.

In Port-au-Prince at a modeling event. [Photo Credit: Roroli Light]

Kreyolicious: What’s the most inspiring book you’ve ever read? What made it so inspiring?
The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player , a book by John C. Maxwell, which talks about all the qualities a person needs to succeed in life. Some of the qualities are: the ability to adapt, collaborate, communicate, be engaged, prepare, enthusiasm, discipline…among other things. This book is a really great resource for anybody. If you’re dealing with people in any form, you need those qualities. Whichever type of team you’re building…marriage, leadership, sports, work…in any team-building context…whether performance, capacity…behavior…Whether person-to-person or society as a whole…To me, everyone should read this book.

Above: Miss Haiti Earth shows off another dimension of herself. [Photo Credit: Mc Alexander S. Ciceron]

Kreyolicious: Have you ever been really incompetent at something that you are now very good at?
[Laughter] Yes. Everyone has a a weakness at something. What’s important is that you acknowledge the weakness, and take steps to correct it. My weakness was that when I’d be on the runway, and I’d be making my turns…I was really bad at it. As time went by, I learned from other people. Now, I don’t have that problem anymore. I’m glad I was able to see that it was a problem, and that I was able to fix it.

Above: Modeling a piece from the collection of Haitian designer David Andre. [Photo Credit: Mc Alexander S C Photography]

Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Five years from today, I’d love to feel be able to see the results of all the work I’m accomplishing now…in my life and the life of others. I’d like the privilege of not having to introduce myself because all the work I did and my accomplishments will have already introduced me and established me, and spoken for me. I’d like to have a kid before I’m thirty. I really love kids.

Above: Wearing a creation by designer Louca Bell. Photo Credit: Jumenus Coreus/Dezobri for Chokarella.

DARLINE EXUME ON INSTAGRAM | VISIT HER NON-PROFIT

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE STRAIGHT OUTTA HAITI ENTRIES…in which—in which I interview a figure who’s based in Haiti and doing great things.

New York-born Catherine Desmarattes launched Ayiti Biyografi, a well-run, one-woman show, turning it into one of the leading, and most-referred-to Haitian music websites on the digital space. The Ayiti Biyografi is strong, as if Desmarattes were running things for more than a meager five years.

Her marketing skills, her love of and obsession for Haitian music, as well as her abilities as a videographer and photographer have made her platform gain respect and traffic. Her 120,000+ combined followers sleep soundly when there’s a popular Haitian musical event happening, because they know the next day (or in many cases, that same day), Desmarattes will deliver photos of their event with video footage and reporting.

In addition to running Ayiti Biyografi, Desmarattes is the host and producer of Biyografi Lari A, a Haitian music and industry show.

In PART I of the interview with the digital entrepreneur, we discussed how she came to launch her thriving brand. This time, I will delve more into her love of music, and we of course will discuss Haiti.

Kreyolicious: You must have a lot of favorite artists and bands. Those you not only enjoy listening to, but whose growth…whether artistically-speaking or audience reach speaking, you are especially proud of. Would you mind pin-pointing….say five artists or bands who fall in that category?
Catherine Desmarattes: I’ve always been a Harmonik fan. I am happy to see them benefiting from their hard work. Many did not expect Nu-Look to survive after the departure of Gazzman. Arly Lariviere stepped up and is handling himself very well. Both Rutshelle and Roody made the best out of their tragic breakup and both can be considered as success stories. Before Kai, many saw Richard Cave as timid like Arly, he has proven otherwise.

Kreyolicious: Speaking of artists…My readers vary. They are into Haitian music at different levels and some not at all. Now…what if you had to give an introduction to Haitian music to those in the latter category? Which artists and albums and songs would you include in a formulated playlist to them. You can give ten to start…
Catherine Desmarattes: As an introduction to Haitian music, I would recommend Carimi’s Bang Bang, TVice Kite’m Viv, Enposib Chay because they have a modern sound. Harmonik Degaje, Nu-Look “Abò”, and Klass “Fè’l Vini Avan” are also great options.

Kreyolicious: Do you go to Haiti often?
Catherine Desmarattes: I go to Haiti at least twice a year. I go in the beginning of the year for carnival and during the summer around my birthday in July.

Kreyolicious: Do you check out the music scene and see what’s it like?
Catherine Desmarattes: The music scene in Haiti is excellent. Despite the economic difficulties, the events in Haiti are better planned than those in the United States. The lighting, the stage, the décor are phenomenal, but that’s because they are not restricted by fire department rules. They have more room to play with things.

Kreyolicious: If you could pin-point 5 books that have changed your life, what books would make the grade?
Catherine Desmarattes: Who Moved My Cheese? is one. I’m more into mystery novels. My favorite author is Michael Connelly and Lisa Jackson.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to those out there who are wanting to start a site targeting the Haitian community?
Catherine Desmarattes: Anyone interested in working in this industry has to know the right people. It is difficult to open “powerful” doors if you don’t know which ones to knock.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see Ayiti Biyografi going?
Catherine Desmarattes: I am working on a few things. I am updating the website. My radio showed aired on KreyolJam on December 2nd. It will be on every Friday from 8 to 10 PM. We air the show live on Facebook on the Ayiti Biyografi Fan Page. I want my platform to move with technology. I want to remain relevant and reliable. At this moment, when Ayiti Biyografi is at an event, my audience is confident that they have a front seat at the event and they are not going to miss a thing. I like seeing the expression an artist face when they see me in the media pit. I hope to be in business for many years.

This concludes the interview with Ayiti Biyografi founder Catherine Desmarattes. If you missed PART I, go here. Meanwhile check her out her work on these platforms:

SOUNDCLOUD| FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| AYITI BIYOGRAFI WEBSITE | AYITI BIYOGRAFI YOUTUBE

Have you ever been teased for “looking different”? It could be something as simple as the shape of your nose, your body structure, a beauty mark, or the way you walk. Ralph Souffrant was teased for his freckles and now thanks to them, he’s making a killing in the modeling world.

The male model exudes confidence. Here he is during a rooftop photoshoot.

Here he is for a modeling campaign for the brand Diesel.

And here he is again for Only the Blind.

Addidas didn’t want to be left out!

Neither did Calvin Klein. [Photo Credit: Reed Davis Photography]

And on the runway! Look at him go!

Ralph Souffrant is signed to Re:quest agency for the New York market, and with Factor L.A. for the West Coast.

CLICK HERE to read about other models with Haitian roots!

It’s only a matter of time before the Instagrammer 1NegLakay acquires 50,000 followers. His account currently has more than 40,000 fans already, so this follower milestone will be a mere piece of cake, er piece of dous makos. Wesley, the originator of the account, knows that he has a winner under his fingers. He started sharing funny memes about Haitian culture as a theme, and through consistent posting, and with a legion of Haitian-Americans out there looking for a non-ending source of laughter, well, 1NegLakay has grown from a simple Instagram account to a full-pledged business, with the digital influencer launching an online store SizoStore to capitalize on his account’s popularity.

Kreyolicious: What made you start the sizo store?
1NegLakay: I wanted something I can look at and say “that’s mine.” Something my future grandchildren’s children would benefit from and happily say “that’s ours.” I have a passion for fashion. I believe that you make your first impression with the way we look. I have always had that motto growing up so I wanted to share my flavor of fashion with others.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who wants to be a digital influencer?
1NegLakay: Don’t do it. You will have me as a competition and that’s not a good thing. [Laughter] Just kidding. It’s really about having a goal and sticking with it. Be sure of your brand and the message you are trying to get across. If you want to do comedy, work at it, if you want to do videos, it’s the same mentality, work at it till it becomes natural to you. And as well be a people person because it is all about interacting with others and above all, be humble.

Kreyolicious: Do your parents know that they have a social media influencer for a son?
1NegLakay: I don’t think they know but I do think they have seen the memes because they are on Facebook but I don’t think they make the connection. But if my dad was to find out , he probably wouldn’t be surprised because he is a jokester himself and that’s probably where I got the trait from. I grew up laughing at his jokes. [Even] today, I‘m still grateful to have him in my life because he is very funny. Wherever he is at he stays cracking jokes.

Kreyolicious: Where do you hope to take your brand?
1NegLakay: We want to continue making people laugh and make connections. We hope the popularity of the page flourishes that way we can reach more people and establish a solid platform for young and middle age Haitians in the States and abroad. We know the world is a tough place and people deal with various issues on a daily basis and if we can bring a smile to one person during a tough, that’s a big accomplishment for us.

This concludes the interview with Instagrammer 1NegLakay founder Wesley. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I of our interview. And don’t forget to check out 1NegLakay….

CLICK HERE to visit his Instagram page | CLICK HERE to get to the SIZO STORE brought to you by Instagrammer 1NegLakay |