Larose, whose signature voice helped shape Haitian music, dies at 80

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s musical communities and fans of konpa were in deep mourning Friday at the news that singer Joseph Dieudonné Larose died on Friday, in Canada, where he had been living.

Larose, known for his signature voice, leaves behind a legacy of music that spans 40 years and 20 albums while performing with several djaz, konpa bands. Fans and artists, many of whom form a close-knit group of konpa aficionados, took to social media to pay their respects and celebrate his musical contributions to Haitian culture and their childhoods.

“You’re leaving this ‘strange’ world, as you so often called it, to walk toward the light,” wrote Patrice Rouzier, the renowned musician from the band Mizik Mizik, on Facebook. 

Making a play on the artist’s name, which means “the rose” in French, Rouzier added, “Thank you for everything you shared. Rest in peace. May God give you the rose!”

Echoing the sadness, Mikel-Ange Aristide, of Port-de-Paix, said, “I’m not ready to accept the news of your death, my favorite artist whose music I’ve been listening to on the radio for over 35 years.”

Growing up in a generation of konpa greats

Born on June 5, 1945, in Cabaret, a town about 15 miles from Port-au-Prince, Larose belonged to the founding generation of artists who helped shape Haitian popular music.

His distinctive voice and talent for storytelling quickly drew him to konpa, created just 10 years after his birth. Over the decades, Larose became a major figure in konpa dirèk, in an era where artistic discipline called for meticulousness.

Larose performed with several bands before embarking on a solo career. He was most associated with Shoogar Combo, DP Express and Missile 727. 

Over his career, he recorded more than 20 albums, exploring the universal themes of love, pain, hope and social realities through his lyrics. Hits such as Aksidan, Mandela, Jolie Minou and other classics came out of his projects, leaving messages and rhythms that fans continue to enjoy and that artists still cover today. 

A legacy to last for generations more

With his death, Haiti loses a historic voice, but retains a rich and vibrant musical memory that fans say will continue to inspire other generations.

The French Embassy in Haiti, in a statement offering condolences, expressed deep sadness at the passing of the Haitian artist Dieudonné Larose.

“An inimitable voice and a serene charisma, he marked Haitian music with a rich and inspiring career, leaving a lasting impression on multiple generations of music lovers,” the embassy said in a statement.

Louco Désir, one of several music hosts who confirmed Larose’s passing, paid tribute to Larose for talents beyond singing.

“Larose was one of those artists who managed his image until the very end, because no one would have guessed his age,” said Désir, based from Port-au-Prince. “I know this news will sadden many, but instead of mourning Larose, let’s celebrate him.”

“Dieudonné Larose, you were not just an artist, you were a value, a voice, a legacy,” singer Joseph Joubite, better known as “K-dilak,” wrote on Facebook. 

“Your music, your message and your impact will never die. My sincere condolences to the family, loved ones, and everyone who grew up with your art.”

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