Haitian Beatz

Haiti, culturally has always been one of the richest and most innovative Country within the Western Hemisphere.  Its African roots and rhythms have integrated with the traditions of Spain, France and even India.  Some of the products of its rich culture, can be described as a melting pot.

Boukman’s Eksperyans’ which got its name from Boukman, the slave who initiated the Haitian Revolution, has just released its latest album after a long eight years of waiting, entitled “ La revolte des zombies”.  This album is a testimony that show that the revolution is at least culturally as vital and relevant today as it was centuries ago; as lead singer ‘Lolo’ stated during the album release performance at SOBS: “ the revolution is within ourselves, in our heart, but not within the system”.

La Revolte des Zombies, released by Richard Urbain of Venus International Productions and Balenjo Music is comprised of 24 new tracks, with six of them being small musical interludes.  As the pioneers who initiated the Rasin movement which also brought them instant world recognition,  with its first mega hit “Ke’m pa sote”, Boukman on this album, seems to be searching for another breakthrough, which is to expand and change the original ‘rasin’ sound as we have all known it to be.  On one of the track, they’ve even created a name for it “ Twoubadou rasin”, which is a blend of the original ‘twoubadou” with a ‘rasin’ flavor. Boukman’s political messages still remain as one of the focus point of the band, which are clearly displayed on such tracks as: “ We don’t need a middleman”, “ Ti bourik pote chaj san’l pa konnnen” and “ Fight like a man”.  Lolo also shown his sentimental side with the song “Beautiful Angel” as a duet with a young woman from Indonisia, who’s vocal cord is sultry and smooth at the same time; she was there at SOBS to sing the song live for the first time since its release (you can watch the clip below on our video section).

Boukman gave the fans a quick glimpse of the new album with a live performance at SOBS on Sunday, November 22.  It was a very diverse audience, equally White and people of color.  The fans had the priviledge to hear for the first time, a few tunes from the new album, including: Zombie, Twoubadou Rasin, Ti bourik pote chaj san'l pa konnen and Beautiful Angel.  They also performed a couple of their past hits " Kem Pa sote", and " Nou pa'p sa bliye".  Lolo was joined on stage by his little sister who also has a track on the new cd as the lead singer.  Her own band "Earthman Experience" was the openning act for the night.