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Coupé Cloué, the king of Haitian music.Cut Nailed
Coupé Cloué, the king of Haitian music.
Cut Nailed
  • July 15, 2024
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Coupé Cloué, the king of Haitian music.

Coupé Cloué, whose real name is Jean Gesner Henry, is a genius of Haitian music, both singer and musician, his mark in the musical pantheon of Haïti is alongside the most prestigious names, such as Nemours Jean-Baptiste, Robert Sico et al.

The first steps of the legend

The King Coupe was born in Léogâne (in the city of Anacaona), on May 4, 1925, he died on January 29, 1998 in Port-au-Prince. Twenty-five years after his death, his music remains among the most consumed by Haitians living in Haïti and those of the Haitian diaspora.

In some African countries, it is quite common to listen to his music in nightclubs even today. He is considered by Haitian music lovers, and many compas fans around the world, as one of the emblematic figures of Haitian music, for his great contribution to the direct compas musical genre.

The beginnings of King Coupé in music.

Coupé Cloué began his musical career in the 1950s and quickly became one of the most popular artists in Haiti. His music skillfully blended elements of compass, voodoo and Haitian folklore, infiltrating the Haitian being in its most intimate aspects, creating a unique style highly appreciated by the Haitian public and elsewhere.

The King Coupe discography.

Over the years, Coupé Cloué has recorded numerous successful albums and has been praised for his lyrics and his commitment to Haitian culture. Songs like "myanm myanm", "Yeye", "Djo ak ti Djo".. have marked the memory of Haïti and the French West Indies. Making the legendary voice of King Coupé an important part of Caribbean music.

Furthermore, his fabulous side allowed him to be one of the few to be able to address themes such as politics, sexuality and Haitian traditions in his songs, in the midst of a dictatorship. He lived through the entire Duvaliers dictatorship, without having been censored by the regime.

Haïti Music: Haitian artist Rutshelle Guillaume crowned “Best Caribbean Artist” at the Trace Awards & Festival 2023

The international music scene buzzed with excitement on Saturday, October 20, 2023 when talented Haitian singer Rutshelle Guillaume was crowned “Best Caribbean Artist” at the prestigious Trace Awards & Festival 2023, held in Kigali, Rwanda. This award recognizes a remarkable career and a significant contribution to the evolution of Caribbean music. Rutshelle Guillaume is an artist who has captured the hearts of music lovers thanks to her undeniable talent and her numerous quality productions. The Trace Awards & Festival is an event renowned for its promotion of Afrocentric music and culture. It is a platform that celebrates the musical diversity of the Caribbean while highlighting the creativity of the region. Caribbean artists are honored for their exceptional contribution to the enrichment of world music. Rutshelle Guillaume’s victory at this prestigious event is not only a tribute to her talent, but also a recognition of the richness of Caribbean music and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. The Haitian singer knew how to embody this musical diversity and touched the hearts of many listeners around the world. Her career, marked by memorable titles and collaborations with other talented artists, has made her an ambassador for Caribbean music on an international scale. His commitment to promoting Haitian and Caribbean culture has helped strengthen ties between artists in the region and the rest of the world. Rutshelle Guillaume continues to inspire many emerging artists and show that passion, talent and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements. His victory at the Trace Awards & Festival 2023 is a well-deserved tribute to his influence and undeniable contribution to Caribbean music. Ultimately, Rutshelle Guillaume’s recognition as "Best Caribbean Artist" at the Trace Awards & Festival 2023 is a reminder of the power of music to unite cultures and celebrate artistic diversity. It is a historic moment for the Haitian artist and a source of pride for the Caribbean as a whole. Rutshelle Guillaume continues to be an inspiration to many artists and music lovers around the world, and her music will live on as a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her art.

Coupé Cloué the timeless

The Haitian who has not yet listened to a song by this legend of Haitian music has not yet seen the light of day. His powerful voice is one of the rare symbols that runs through Haitian society in its entirety, and on which almost everyone has consensus. His music is traced with a timeless accent, and resonates with the same effectiveness in the ear of the child, the young, and in the heart of the old Haitian. His music has the ability to take the shape of the listener. His polysemous words are accessible to all and are welcomed according to the maturity of his listener.
Coupé Cloué is also known for his ability to ignite crowds with his powerful and expressive voice. He is an entertainer at heart, his performances on stage were always very appreciated by the public, who admired his talent and charisma.

Despite his death in 1998, Coupé Cloué remains an essential figure in Haitian music and his musical legacy continues to influence many contemporary Haitian artists. His timeless songs and his commitment to Haitian culture have made him a music icon for his country in the same way that Bob Marley was for Jamaica. Even today, his voice is recognized as a powerful symbol of national pride for the Haitian people in all their diversity.
The legendary name of Coupé Cloué will remain engraved in gold letters, among the most worthy Haitians of all time.

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About the Author
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

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Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.