Famous Haitian Musicians

Kaytranada is a Haitian-Canadian music producer, rapper, singer, and DJ. He gained recognition for his mixtapes and original music projects under the alias Kaytradamus before transitioning to Kaytranada. Signing with XL Recordings in 2014, he released his debut studio album "99.9%" in 2016, followed by "Bubba" in 2019. Kaytranada won two Grammy Awards for Best Dance/Electronic Album. He is also part of the hip hop duo The Celestics with his brother Lou Phelps.

Luck Mervil is a multi-talented Haitian-Canadian artist known for his work as a singer-songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He gained recognition as a member of the pop-rock/funk band RudeLuck and later starred in the French musical Notre-Dame-de-Paris. Mervil ventured into film with appearances in various movies and returned to the theater scene with productions like Génération Motown. He showcased his hosting skills on Mixmania and Le 3950, and is admired for his community involvement, especially during Hurricane Jeanne. Mervil's music, such as the album Ti Peyi A, has made a significant impact, earning him accolades and recognition for bridging different communities.

Guy Durosier Petrus was a renowned Haitian musician and singer known as the "Ambassador of Haitian music." His professional career began at the age of 14 as a saxophonist in various bands before joining the orchestra led by maestro Issa el Saieh. Durosier also worked with influential figures like Bud Johnson and Michel Desgrottes, expanding his musical horizons to include jazz influences. He gained recognition as a versatile artist, excelling as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and innovative arranger who blended jazz elements with Cuban mambo and Haitian musical traditions. Despite some controversial performances, Durosier left a lasting legacy in the music world with his unique contributions before passing away from advanced lung cancer in 1999.

J. Perry is a prominent Haitian singer, songwriter, and composer known for his hit song "Dekole," which earned him a Gold Disk Plaque from the President of Haiti and other officials. His music has made a significant impact, inspiring the theme of the 2012 Carnival. Perry's talent and creativity have garnered him recognition in the music industry, establishing him as a respected artist. Through his work, he continues to showcase his musical prowess and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Haiti.

Misty Jean is a versatile artist known for her talent as a singer and former Miss West Indies. She showcases her musical abilities by singing in Haitian Creole, French, and English. With a diverse repertoire of songs, Misty Jean captivates audiences with her unique blend of languages and styles. Her professional career is marked by her dedication to sharing her cultural heritage through music, making her a prominent figure in the music industry.

Lyonel Trouillot is a multifaceted professional with expertise in literature, journalism, and education. As a novelist and poet fluent in both French and Haitian Creole, he has made significant contributions to the literary world. In addition to his creative pursuits, Trouillot is also an accomplished journalist, providing insights and commentary on various societal issues. Furthermore, his role as a professor of French and Creole literature in Port-au-Prince showcases his dedication to sharing knowledge and nurturing the next generation of writers and thinkers.

Val Jeanty, also known as Val-Inc, is a Haitian electronic music composer, turntablist, and professor at Berklee College of Music. She is a pioneer of the electronic music subgenre Afro-Electronica, also known as "Vodou-Electro." Jeanty's work evokes the musical esoteric realms of the creative subconscious, blending her African Haitian musical traditions with contemporary influences. She combines acoustics with electronics, and the archaic with the post-modern, creating a unique and innovative sound that pushes boundaries in the world of electronic music.

Emeline Michel is a renowned Haitian singer and activist known for blending traditional Haitian music with contemporary styles. She has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The United Nations, and Teatro Manzoni. Starting her career as a choir singer, Emeline further honed her skills at the Detroit Jazz Center in the United States. She has actively contributed to humanitarian efforts as an ambassador for the Red Cross and established the production company Cheval de Feu. Emeline gained recognition for her performance at MTV's 2010 Haiti earthquake relief concert where she covered Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross."