Three Haitian women singers leave audiences mesmerized at Port-au-Prince concert

By Magdala Louis

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Institut Français en Haïti (IFH) kicked off its 2025 art and culture activities with the concert “Harmonie” on the night of Jan. 9, showcasing three talented young Haitian women artists. The event sought to convey a message of hope and to inspire perseverance.. Eager for a moment of joy, the audience came together to sing, dance and capture memories while enjoying powerful performances by Joana “JoJ” Joseph, Lorrane Stessie Charles and Naïemlee “Lenny” Auguste.

The audience danced at the beautiful outdoor venue as they were carried away by the rhythms of musical instruments and radiant voices. It was one of the rare opportunities for culture lovers in the Haitian capital to reconnect with lively moments in the midst of  insecurity surrounding Port-au-Prince and its metropolitan areas. 

Attendees saw familiar faces and sang along  loudly together from the minute the first song started, g“Ede M Chante” (Help Me Sing) by the Haitian ‘Rasin’ band, Boukan Ginen. It’s a powerful song that speaks to the strength of the Haitian people and how they cope with the weight of multiple crises affecting the country over the years. Although the song was released in 1995, it still resonates with Haiti’s current challenges.

Artists called on all Haitians to unite, combining their strengths to work toward constructing a new Haitian society.

The singers, turning into a trio for the occasion, continued with the 1992 song “Banm Yon Ti Limyè” (Show Me a Little Light) by the late Haitian activist singer Emmanuel “Manno” Charlemagne. Through this song, the singers encouraged the audience to reflect on the crisis in Haiti and  the situation of people of African descent around the world, a similar goal of the original song by Charlemagne.

“This concert is a moment of respite, an opportunity to enjoy moments of pleasure without worry,” said the singer Auguste, 22. “I thank the audience again for sharing their energy with us.”

Auguste, eager to return to the country’s cultural scene for the new year, said that this collaboration, in which her voice blended with those of the two other artists, made her love music even more. Indeed, it was the first time Auguste had worked on a show with artists of her generation, she confided.

“Even though we naturally sing different kinds of music, we enjoyed being on stage together. We enjoyed every moment of this collaboration,” Auguste said enthusiastically.

As night falls, the singers continued with the music of another socially conscious Haitian artist, Kébert “KEB” Bastien, who condemns in his lyrics the mistreatment of the Haitian people by the elites who control the country and advocates for a popular revolt to achieve a better life for all in Haiti.  

The singers lent their voices to interpret the track titled “Chalmay Peral” from KEB’s album “PWENNFÈPA,” a call to revisit the history of the “Cacos” resistance during the American occupation from 1915 to 1934. It serves as an anthem urging Haitians to take responsibility in the face of oppressors. Their performance sent shivers through the audience, reminding them that those who fight never die.

This moment brings together young artists who often provide comfort when the country’s situation lacks viable alternatives.

Lorrane Stessie Charles, who captivated the audience with her voice, said she was delighted by the initiative led by the French Institute. For her, initiatives like that concert are very important because she believes the Haitian music industry (HMI) does not always recognize collaborations among young artists. These activities also strengthens popular solidarity among people who share similar life experiences.

“It’s a way of sharing good energy and showing solidarity and love,” said Charles, 32. “It would be good to see more projects in this direction.”

Before concluding the event, which left the audience satisfied with the performances, the artists delivered a rendition of two songs by 27-year-old singer Joana “JoJ” Joseph. This collaboration proved to be successful, as the audience enthusiastically sang along with the artists.

In the first track, titled “Tonbe” or “Fall,” the artists describe how humans are inherently vulnerable, often discouraged, and prone to failure in their pursuits. They also emphasize the importance of finding inner strength and the energy to rise again and keep trying until they achieve the success they desire.

In the second song, “Best Part,” the young artists sang about love, expressing their emotions through music for the person they cherish. It’s a journey of unwavering devotion where the only decision is to love the other person and prioritize their needs.  

The audience had been longing for an event like this and left satisfied, expressing hope for more activities of this kind in the capital. This particularly resonated with JoJ, who expressed her gratitude to the audience for showing up despite the ongoing insecurity paralyzing the city.  

Like her fellow singers, she thanked the institute for organizing the concert and called for more initiatives of this kind, highlighting their therapeutic value for the community. 

Editor’s Note: The senior reporter Juhakenson Blaise contributed to this article.

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