Haitian Beatz

Over the last 2 months, I have attended quite a number of events with the aim and purpose of helping Haiti’s earthquake victims. While all of these events have been beautiful in their own right and quite necessary, I have to say, none had I enjoyed more than the French Institute’s Benefit concert on Monday, March 15th to benefit Cine Institute and the French Heritage Language Program.



Imagine a room packed with NYC’s francophone community excited and anxious to participate in what they know will be a beautiful tribute to Haiti. And with a line up that includes: Grammy award-winning musician Angelique Kidjo, French superstar Yannick Noah, esteemed Haitian vocalist Emeline Michel, Haitian singer-songwriter BélO, and French multi-instrumentalist and singer Mino Cinelu, who would not be excited. Wait! We even got a treat: Mika Benjamin came on as BelO’s guests.



Every performer was different; but the stage at The French Institute’s Florence Gould Hall, was on fire every time one of the 6 performers stepped on stage. The evening was seamless, one house band performed for all the musicians with each performer introducing the next.



Never had I seen BelO command and own his stage in such a manner. I had gotten use to seeing him perform acoustically, but after getting the full enchilada with a full band behind him, I have to say, BelO  full band for life! BelO treated us with songs like Lakou Trankil, Jasmin with Mika Ben providing backup. Mika also treated us with a solo of his own with a beautiful song titled Ghetto.



Mr. Mino Cinelu who played beautiful piano and guitar sounded like an angel, albeit his voice was not the strongest vocally. Emeline Michel followed with Beni Yo, Moso Manman and Ban Mwen Lanmou which had the crowd in an uproar.  Through Emeline’s voice one you can’t help but see the dichotomy that is Haiti. A beautiful rich place, full of pain.



Angelique Kidjo was the star of the night. I had been looking forward to her performance because it would be my first time catching her live. Her high pitch, piercing tone, requires you to listen. And in her voice you definitely hear Africa. You hear us. Though I did not understand most of what she was saying. Her style is upbeat and energetic and for non Fon speakers or Yoruba speakers, it is definitely a plus, because you have the beat to keep you going. The crowd was electrified. The Benin born star sure know’s how to keep the crowd moving.



Yannick Noah? A singer? Yes, indeed. For those who knew the name, many simply knew of his fame as the 1983 French Open men singles winner among other tennis accomplishments, but yes, Mr. Noah is indeed a musical performer: And a really good one at that. His humor is beyond measure, and truly he added such a positive vibe to the whole evening. He has a knack for getting the crowd to participate in his performances and has no problem making a fool of himself and getting us to join him right along.



The evening ended with a final performance by all the musicians singing Bob Marley’s One Love. And indeed, on that stage you had no doubt it was; even if only for that moment.



It was truly a magical night. The 2.5 hour concert was a bit long but very much worth not taking a bathroom break.