Djapot at Ou LaLa: My review and personal observation

By Moses St Louis

I’ve watched Djapot catch well-deserved buzz ever since I came across their debut album. The fresh energy they bring grabbed my attention right away, and I knew I had to spotlight them at “La Nuit du Compas” last year during Labor Day Weekend with heavy hitters like Klass, Ekip, and Zenglen. For me, one reason stood out: their fearless singers, Pedro and especuially Esther Surpris.

Esther’s journey is close to my heart. Years ago, she started out performing for me as a solo artist, just stepping into the tight-knit circles of the Haitian music industry in New York and Florida. Watching her push forward in a scene that’s not always welcoming of women has been inspiring. Seeing artists like Esther shine makes me proud of the early support I could offer, just as I have for other female artists who’ve broken through in the HMI.

Spotting budding talent has always been one of my passions, but what really gets me invested is supporting female voices who refuse to blend into the background. Esther Surpris is one of those voices. I’ve had a front-row seat to her journey from a solo act testing the waters to leading Djabot, an up-and-coming band shaking up the HMI. Watching her grow has been a reminder of why backing women in music pays off every single time.

I first met Esther when she was just starting out in the Haitian HMI. She used to be managed by Rigaud Simon.  She would show up for every gig, no matter how small it was. Her drive stood out right away.

Back then, the HMI was even tougher for solo female acts. Esther never let that stop her. She focused on getting better, took every challenge as a lesson, and kept her eyes on the next stage. Each time I watched her perform, I noticed the small but steady improvements—the way she held the mic, her timing, her connection to every lyric.

Supporting women in the HMI does more than add another voice on stage. It changes the culture, opens doors, and shows the younger crowd what’s possible. When you back female artists, everyone wins—the bands, the fans, and the entire music community. Esther Surpris and her peers are living proof that determination, real talent, and a chance to shine make all the difference.

Djapot came into the Haitian music industry as a young group with drive and heart. From the moment their debut album landed, fans started to notice. Their rise hasn't been by accident. It’s been the result of talent, smart choices, and relentless work. Djapot’s story is a refreshing signal that the HMI isn't stuck in the past.

When Djabot came calling, Esther was ready. She didn’t just join as a vocalist; she owned the stage. Her voice cuts through live mixes with power and warmth, but what really sets her apart is the confidence she brings. She never shies away, whether faced with a skeptical crowd or sharing the bill with veteran acts. Now, young artists see Esther as proof that a woman can take center stage

Djapot formed in a city where Haitian music thrives—Miami. Their early days looked like many others: small shows, tight rehearsals, and social media grind. What set them apart early was how they blended modern sounds with classic compas rhythms. Their music felt current but still respected tradition.

Since dropping their debut album, Djapot has taken bigger steps. They moved from local gigs to strong regional presence, catching invites to major HMI shows. Their attention to detail, from the way they dress on stage to the energy in their setlist, shows how seriously they take their craft. The band’s chemistry is hard to fake. You can see everyone pulling in the same direction.

Stepping into Ou Lala last night, I had one thing in mind: finally catching Djapot live without missing a beat. The moment felt overdue. When they played for me at “La Nuit du Compas” last year, I was too wrapped up in duties as promoter to see their full set. Ever since, I’ve felt the itch to see what I missed, especially with Esther Surpris leading the charge. There’s something special about watching an artist you’ve known from square one claim their moment in real time.

Truth be told, I thought I’d walk into Ou Lala and catch Djapot already on stage. But I ended up arriving before they started. Normally, you want bands to keep things moving, especially for fans who wait around. Some folks next to me made that clear, grumbling about the late start. For me, though, it felt like a lucky break. I finally got to see Djapot set up, interact, and spark the vibe from the first note. There’s something raw and honest that happens before a single chord gets playrd.

The Performance

Friday night at Ou Lala turned out to be one of those rare events you remember, not just for the names on the flyer, but for how the whole room felt when Djapot hit the stage. The venue was packed, but it wasn’t the usual sea of young faces you'd catch at newer bands’ shows. The crowd skewed much older, which gave the night a chill, grown-up vibe that was a pleasant surprise.

Djapot didn’t take the stage until just before 1 AM, but when they did, everything shifted. Right out of the gate, the band sounded both heavy and groovy. It was clear everyone had come ready to play. No time was wasted—they launched straight into hits from their debut album. The set was tight, full of favorites like "Lanmou Konplike," "Confusion," "Regrè," "Lanmou a Lanvè," and "Mwen Konn Valè’m." Each song kept the momentum strong, with the whole band working in sync.

Even with an older audience, the room was locked in. Heads bobbed, hands tapped tables, and you could feel a quiet satisfaction—a crowd that knew good compas when they heard it.

The Sound and Technical Issues

As much as the band delivered musically, the performance ran into some real technical headaches. The sound mix was muffled and at times, painfully loud for a space the size of Ou Lala. The vocals from both Esther and Pedro got lost, with lyrics hard to make out and instruments blending into a single, booming wall. No one in the room missed the band’s energy, but the full impact of their musicianship was held back by a mix that just didn’t do them justice.

A better sound engineer could have made a decent night into an unforgettable one. When the technical side falls short, even the best bands end up fighting for clarity.

One thing that stood out for me was the mood on stage. Both Pedro and Esther kept focused on their music, maybe a bit too much. Neither cracked many smiles or engaged the crowd the way seasoned front-people sometimes do. Esther, especially, looked serious most of the night. Maybe it was just an off evening, but performers hold a lot of sway over the room’s mood. The crowd comes to unwind and escape; if they see their favorite singer looking stressed, it throws off the energy.

Still, there’s no glossing over what Djapot achieved with their sound and set choices. They made the club feel bigger, lifted every song to a new level, and left everyone ready for more. My one wish is that next time, the joy and lightness that lives in their music makes it to their faces as much as their sound. Fans come for the music, sure, but they also come for the connection. A simple smile can light up the stage almost as much as a great song.

Esther Surpris and Pedro’s growth is a win not just for them, but for the spirit of the HMI. Djapot’s future looks strong, driven by real teamwork and the spark both singer  bring to the stage. The show at Ou Lala was proof that this band has what it takes to connect with all kinds of fans, even with a few bumps in the sound.

I report, you decide