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Emeline Michel, the diva of Haitian musicEmeline Michel
Emeline Michel, the diva of Haitian music
Emeline Michel
  • August 07, 2024
  • | 0

Emeline Michel, the diva of Haitian music

Emeline Michel was born on March 21, 1966 in Dubedou, a small town located in the 5th communal section of Gonaïves, the city of Haitian independence. Both a singer and composer, today her influence transcends and goes beyond the borders of Haïti and the French-speaking world.

After starting secondary studies at the Lycée Louis Diaquoi commonly known as the Lycée de jeunes filles des Gonaïves, she entered Port-au-Prince, at one point, to continue her studies at the Collège St Pierre de Port-au-Prince. It was in the Haitian capital, more precisely at the Baptiste de Bolosse church, that her talent was discovered and supported by religious leaders, who offered her scholarships to study music. It is his steps that will be the basis of his exceptional musical career, placing his name among the proudest Haitians and alongside the greatest names in Haitian music, such as Lionel Benjamin, Beethova Obas and Yole Dérose his mentor.

Emeline MichelEmeline Michel

An Icon of International Renown

What Celine Dion is to Quebec, Emeline Michel is to Haiti. Emeline embodies Haitian feminine excellence in all its depth. Able to sing with ease in French and Haitian Creole, she remains one of the most listened to and recognized Haitian voices throughout the world. In Haiti, she is considered the most emblematic female figure in contemporary Haitian music. There are very few artists: painters, musicians or writers who have not been tempted by the idea of ​​paying tribute to her through their art. Decades after the beginning of her career, she is still among the most credible and loved voices in Haitian society.

Emeline MichelEmeline Michel

First steps in music

Born to a pastor father and a merchant mother. Emeline began singing in church like the vast majority of Haitian artists. From a young age, she demonstrated an exceptional talent for music and singing. She remembers starting singing in church led by her pastor father, when she was not yet six years old. Her musical career truly began in the 80s, quickly captivating audiences with her powerful and captivating voice. And her original compositions blend traditional Haitian rhythms, the compas, and the rhythms of classical music with her melodious voice.

Emeline MichelEmeline Michel

An Exceptional Discography

Emeline Michel has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, such as *Flanm*, *Rasin Kreyol* and *Reine de Cœur*. Her committed and poetic songs address universal themes such as love, social justice, women’s freedom and resilience. Songs like "A.K.I.K.O", "Gade papi", "Béni yo", "L’odeur de ma terre", "Mèsi lavi" and "Vant kòde" illustrate her stance against the injustices and difficulties experienced by Haitians, while offering messages of hope. Her successes are numerous and testify to her impact on Haitian music.

Emeline MichelEmeline Michel

A Committed Woman

In addition to her internationally renowned musical career, Emeline Michel is an ardent promoter of Haitian culture throughout the world, her clothing style embodies that of an authentic Haitian. In addition, she uses her great fame to campaign for gender equality in Haitian society and in the rest of the world. Although she has not expressed direct criticism of a particular government, her songs are vigorous denunciations of the misfortunes that strike her beloved Haiti. She has participated in numerous international festivals, collaborated with world-renowned artists and supported humanitarian projects for Haiti, particularly after the powerful earthquake of January 12, 2010.

With her captivating voice, her charisma (which inspires everyone’s respect), her commitment to the development of women and Haitian culture, Emeline Michel remains and continues to be a perpetual source of inspiration for young girls in Haiti. Her music, full of love and hope, reflects the colors and richness of her native land, making her a permanent ambassador of Haitian music.

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About the Author
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Living in Prose and Poetry: an unmissable summer event in Port-au-Prince.

Living in Prose and Poetry is an artistic and cultural event organized by the cultural organization Salon de Livre de Port-au-Prince (OCSLPAP) with the aim of bringing together young artists from the Haitian capital to exhibit them to a large audience . This edition will take place on Saturday July 27, 2024, at the pyépoudré cultural center, located at number 332 on the Route de Bourne. This year the organizers announce their mission is to bring together talents from various categories of arts, always with the aim of helping them to become familiar with each other, and to help create a solid link between them and the Haitian public. . The categories targeted by the organizers for this second edition are young poets, slammers, comedians, rappers, dancers, singers, painters, and writers who have already published at least one work. Living in prose and poetry will also be an opportunity to encourage Haitian youth to think. The first part of the event will be devoted to a discussion around a text by the famous Haitian writer Louis Philippe Dalembert, entitled The Other Face of the Sea. It is a novel which carefully addresses the subject of immigration and detachment that goes with it in the immigrant’s skin. It is a book that speaks openly to the reality of the Haitian people today. It has already been announced that this first part will be moderated by the journalist and literary critic Carl Pierrecq who works for the short story writer, and moderation will be provided by Pierre Marie, a young sociology student at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH). After a largely successful first edition which took place in May 2023 in the premises of the municipal library of Delmas, the organizers of living in prose and poetry say they are determined and have made the promise for this year to deliver to the public port-au -princien, a cultural event of exceptional scale for the second outing. Once again, this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the great richness of Haitian culture through the organs of our young talents. Given the difficult context, manifested by the almost daily situation of insecurity which has prevailed for some time, in a good part of Port-au-Prince, the announcement of this event comes as a fresh breath of oxygen, scattered throughout the within the lungs of the city. It is yet another opportunity to remind through this artistic festivity that even in times of deep unrest, art will remain an indispensable light, because even in times of crisis, the latter and the artist (its channel of diffusion) will become refuges, sources of comfort and appeasement for all human souls.

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.

Heritage

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.