BelO

BelO's third album was delayed, losing many preliminary writings, because of the earthquake in Haiti. While temporarily relocated in France, BelO took the opportunity to tour the world to promote his country, Haiti, and pre-recorded the album on his laptop. Preceding the album's release, the lead single, "Ti Jean," featuring Sael, debuted in March 2010, and won "SACEM Special Prize Caribbean 2010." Unfortunately, BelO's laptop and passport were stolen in Belgium during a concert, forcing the album to be delayed one more time. Sometimes things happen for a reason. His misfortune caught the attention of France Info who decided to endorse the album. Thus, on May 30, 2011, BelO's third album, "Haiti Debout" (Haiti Stand-up), was released under Radio France/France Info and distributed, globally, by Harmonia Mundi. The album is to be released in Haiti and the U.S. soon. Already on the first leg of the "Haiti Debout" tour, BelO has performed in Germany, Rome, Romania, France, and will be making a few stops in the U.S. before heading back to Haiti for a national tour presented by Digicel.

"Haiti Debout" is dedicated to Haiti and the strength of the Haitian people. With the third album, Belo took a step further into the roots sound exploring the Haitian "Rasin" rhythms and African flavors where we notice the presence of the talking drum and other similar percussions. During his travels, BelO met numerous musicians who wanted to share the love he has for his country by contributing a part of their culture to the album; hence Blick Bassy from Cameroun, Sael from Martinique, Thierry Fanfant from Guadeloupe, Amen Viana and Jean Baptiste Gbadoe from Togo, Harouna Samake and Prince from Mali, Patrick Ruffino from Benin, David Aubaille and Jean Lamoot from France and Gabriel Saeintz.Yet, the album would not be complete without his support system and Haitian entourage, and they are: Fabrice Rouzier, Andy Barrow, Harold St-Louis, Joel Widmaier, Valencia Laguerre, Carlomagno Araya, Jowee Omicil, Emmanuella Michel and Claude Saturne.

The belief that surviving hardship makes us more resilient is what inspired "Haiti Debout." The most revealing track on the record is "Wozo," (Reed) pitching the tone of the album. BelO says "Ou se wozo ... ou mèt tande'w pliye, ou pap kase." "You will bend but will not break" explains the resiliency of the Haitian people. "Wozo" is pure and simple a marinade intertwining Haitian traditional rhythms, even Twoubadou, with African rhythms where the voice of featured artist Blick Bassy definitely brings us back to the motherland. The premise of the album coincides with Belo's journey, missing the good old days while explaining Haiti's present struggles.

"Haiti Debout" is available at Harmonia Mundi Store World Village. BelO's next stops will be La Fete de la Marquette Festival in Madison, Wisconsin and Chicago Folk and Roots Festival.

Author: Gilbert Savant