Paul Beaubrun electrifies globalFEST and pays tribute to earthquake victims

By Bill Farrington

The energy in the room was electric, driven by Paul Beaubrun’s magnetic guitar playing. His long locks seemed to graze the audience as they crowded the stage, captivated by the pulsating rhythm. The music’s power emanated from Beaubrun and his band: his uncle Daniel “Dadi” Beaubrun on bass, longtime collaborator Morgan Zwerlein on percussion, and John Burn Thomas on drums. Together, they instantly connected with the crowd, many of whom were unfamiliar with Haitian music. Yet, the rhythms struck a deep chord, as if awakening something they didn’t know they needed. By the end of the set, enthusiastic call-and-response vocals in Kreyol echoed through the space, a testament to the music’s universal appeal.

The performance was part of globalFEST, an annual showcase at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall that highlights artists from around the world, offering them a platform to connect with curators, producers, and performing arts professionals. Over the years, globalFEST has featured notable Haitian acts like Emeline Michel, BélO, RAM, and Moonlight Benjamin. This year, Paul Beaubrun carried that torch with a performance blending tradition, resilience, and a vision for Haiti’s future.

“We are going to give it our all,” Paul told The Haitian Times during a rehearsal break before the show. “I won’t take any minute of it for granted. It’s a big stage. I’m one of 10 artists. But at the same time, I know my roots too. I know where I come from. I know what I represent.”

Coincidentally, the night marked the 15th anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince. Paul dedicated his set to the victims.

“If you look at the date I am performing, you can imagine it becomes even more personal for me,” Paul said. 

“The emotion is going to be there. I am going to sing in memory of all those people. I am going to sing in memory of my culture—the resilience, the beauty. I’m there to show a positive side of Haiti, not what the media portrays. We are people with dignity, with love, with a high spirit. That’s something I’m going to celebrate.”

As part of his set, Paul performed “Voye Jete,” a song from his new album inspired by Boukman’s call for liberation during the Haitian Revolution. “The reason why I chose that song is the deep message,” Paul explained. 

“Boukman was talking about understanding ourselves, embracing our culture and our god, not the image of the god that enslaved us. It’s about love, liberation, and throwing away the chains.”

Paul’s uncle, Daniel “Dadi” Beaubrun, stepped in for Chico Boyer, the bassist recovering from a serious illness. The absence of Boyer weighed on Paul, but Dadi brought the same soulful depth to the performance. A benefit concert, “Selebrasyon Ginen: A Tribute to Musical Icon Maestro Chico Boyer,” will take place on January 25 at Anba Tonel in Brooklyn to support his recovery.

Below are photos of Paul and his band on Jan. 12, 2024.

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