Paul Beaubrun and Dadi Beaubrun Reunite for Powerful “Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen” Remix in Haitian Rasin Music

By Moses St Louis

When two generations of Haitian music meet, something new takes shape. Paul Beaubrun’s latest project brings him together with his uncle, Daniel “Dadi” Beaubrun, a cornerstone of the Rasin movement known for his work with Boukman Eksperyans. This is the first time Paul—and a new wave of fans—get to experience such a meaningful family collaboration on a single track.

“Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen” is more than just a remix. It’s a bridge between past and present, mixing Dadi’s iconic blend of vodou rhythms, rock, and blues with Paul’s fresh energy. For the Haitian music scene, this moment speaks to both heritage and growth, showing how tradition and innovation can thrive together.

Rasin music, or “roots” music, tells Haiti’s story with honesty and grit. This style is more than music; it is history in motion—an unfiltered channel for hope, pain, and pride. Generations have found their voice in its drumbeats and electric guitar riffs. Understanding how Rasin formed, who helped shape it, and why it still matters reveals the heartbeat of modern Haitian culture.

Rasin’s rise began in the late 1980s, a time when Haiti was ready for change. Young artists wanted something beyond imported pop sounds or commercialized compas. They reached back into Haiti’s oldest rhythms, especially those rooted in vodou ceremonies, and mixed them with influences from reggae, blues, and rock.

The result? Music with raw drums, driving bass, and lyrics that spoke to real struggles. Rasin gave a voice to people’s hopes and frustrations. During political unrest and social change, these songs sent out messages that radio alone couldn’t carry. Audiences felt both the comfort of tradition and the excitement of something bold and new.

Key elements that shaped Rasin:

• Traditional percusssion: Borrowed from vodou, using drums like tanbou and rara horns.

• Electric instruments: Guitars and bass gave the music a punchy, modern edge.

• Honest lyrics: Songs tackled tough topics head on, from political struggles to spiritual longing.

  
  

Over the decades, Rasin music changed with the times, but always kept its connection to deeper Haitian roots.

If Rasin music had a soundtrack, much of it would be played by Boukman Eksperyans. Founded in 1987, the band became the most recognized group in the movement. Their music brought together ancient chants and beats with rock guitar solos that fired up festival crowds and street protests alike.

The band didn’t just sound different—they stood for something. Boukman Eksperyans used their songs to stand against dictatorship and call for unity. Their performances felt like ceremonies, with dancers and singers calling out to spirits and ancestors.

The group’s impact stretched outside Haiti, helping Rasin music find new audiences all over the world.

Daniel "Dadi" Beaubrun stands out among the early Rasin musicians. As co-founder of Boukman Eksperyans, he pushed for blending rock, pop, and blues with Haiti’s ancient drum patterns—an idea that shaped how the entire genre sounds today.

Dadi’s vision went beyond sound. He wanted to show that Haitian music could be proud, open, and fierce. He taught audiences to value the old songs, but to never be afraid of new ideas. His guitar became the backbone of Boukman Eksperyans’ most famous anthems, propelling Rasin onto the international stage.

For fans of Haitian music, Dadi is not just a pioneer—he’s a bridge between ancestors and future stars, helping Rasin music stay both grounded and adventurous.

Paul Beaubrun stands at the intersection of history and innovation in Haitian music. Drawing from tradition while pushing forward, he creates a sound that feels both familiar and new. His latest remix with Dadi Beaubrun isn’t just family business—it’s a symbol of how music can connect generations and spark change.

Paul Beaubrun’s path started early, woven into his family’s legacy but shaped by his own vision. From the start, he was surrounded by Haiti’s top musicians, soaking up their rhythms, lyrics, and energy. These experiences shaped his wide-ranging sound today.

Paul doesn’t settle for just repeating tradition. His voice and guitar work reflect Rasin’s core, but he blends them with reggae, blues, and even a touch of rock. Each performance feels like a conversation between past and future, with Paul as the bridge.

Life in the Beaubrun household meant music was never just background noise. For Paul, this meant watching rehearsals, studio sessions, and late-night writing with his parents Theodore and Mimerose, both leaders of Boukman Eksperyans. Dadi Beaubrun—his uncle—was a constant presence, pushing creative boundaries while keeping the family close.

Those early experiences helped Paul see both the weight and the freedom of his family’s musical torch. Now, with “Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen,” he steps up not just as a student but as a collaborator—proving that true legacy means always moving forward.

For fans of Haitian Rasin and rock, the remix of “Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen” is more than a new track—it’s a family reunion wrapped in music. When Paul Beaubrun and his uncle, Daniel “Dadi” Beaubrun, joined forces, they didn’t just revisit tradition. They created a mix that celebrates their family’s roots while bringing new energy to the genre. This remix stands as a rare moment when mentorship, shared history, and creative vision collide.

Reimagining “Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen” took more than just tweaking melodies or updating lyrics. For Paul and Dadi, the project grew from a shared respect for Rasin traditions and a strong desire to push those boundaries. The idea started with a simple question: How do you honor where you come from while making something fresh that speaks to today’s listeners?

Instead of rushing, they gave each step time and space to breathe. This focus on quality over speed let the track grow into a true collaboration—not just a remix, but a meeting point of two musical generations.

This isn’t just a family collaboration; it’s a bold statement for Haitian music. Paul often describes Dadi not just as an uncle, but as a mentor and personal hero. Growing up side by side with his uncle in the rehearsal rooms and on tour, Paul learned how tradition can be a springboard rather than a cage.

With two of Rasin’s strongest voices working together, the remix bridges more than past and present—it brings the full Beaubrun spirit to new and old audiences alike.

Some features stand out right away. By mixing these elements, Paul and Dadi’s remix lives in two worlds: it calls back to the origins of Rasin while letting new ideas and instruments shape the song’s future. This blend keeps the spirit of Haitian roots music alive without letting it stand still.

When a song gets a remix, it’s more than just a new beat or added vocals. It becomes a conversation between eras, styles, and even generations. With Paul and Dadi Beaubrun fusing their unique voices on "Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen," the remix isn’t only breathing new life into Haitian Rasin—it’s carrying its story forward, pulling in fresh ears while staying tied to deep roots.

Rasin music has always spoken to tough times and the hope for something better. But with every remix, especially one as personal as this, the genre gets a spark for younger listeners who crave both tradition and something new. Paul brings a modern energy, blending genres and styles, while Dadi anchors the rhythm to its source.

Parents remember chanting along to Boukman Eksperyans. Now, their kids are doing the same, but with a twist—the songs sound a little different, and the message feels just as strong. Everyone gets to own a piece of the legacy.

Paul and Dadi’s remix is a handshake between generations and a global invitation—proof that when roots music grows, it never loses its power or its place in the world.

Sitting with Paul and Dadi Beaubrun, you get the sense that every word and note comes with decades of meaning. Their connection runs deeper than family; it reaches into the core of Haitian Rasin and stretches into the future of music. Here, both Paul and Dadi open up about their inspiration, how they approach songwriting, what Rasin means today, their creative teamwork, and what’s next.

The Source of Inspiration

Paul grew up surrounded by rhythms, chants, and the buzz of rehearsals, but his real spark came from watching family turn ideas into sound. “Dadi’s passion is contagious,” Paul shares. “Seeing him pour everything into every guitar riff pushed me to keep digging for the soul of my own music.” For Paul, the roots aren’t just in tradition—they’re alive, moving, and always evolving.

Dadi brings a wider perspective shaped by Haiti’s struggles and joys. He says, “Our country’s pain and pride fuel my music. I play for the streets, the ancestors, and the future—so every composition means something real.” For Dadi, songs grow from daily life, from history, and from what Haiti still needs to say.

Songwriting and the Creative Approach

Both artists treat songwriting as a conversation—with each other, with history, and with their listeners. Paul describes his process as “starting with a feeling, letting the melody lead, and letting the lyrics come from real stories.” He focuses on honesty, channeling both traditional proverbs and new experiences.

Dadi, the veteran, starts with rhythm: “Drums are our heartbeat. Once the groove feels right, words and guitar flow. I don’t force it. Sometimes I just play until the music tells me what story to share.” For this remix, their sessions were filled with laughter, debate, and discovery. Each added their special touch, trusting the other’s instincts.

How do they handle creative bumps? Both agree: stay open, be patient, and trust the music more than the ego.

Ties to the Haitian Music Industry

Paul sees himself as both a bridge and a voice for modern Haiti. “The HMI isn’t just about making hits. It’s about representing where we come from, but also where we can go. I want young artists to feel there’s room to create something new,” he says.

Dadi remembers when Rasin music struggled against pop trends. “Those early days, people called us rebels or outsiders. But we kept the drums loud and the lyrics raw,” he explains. Now, he feels pride in watching new talent mix genres and spark change, right inside the HMI.

Both note the support from fans, DJs, and musicians who want Haitian music to keep its roots but speak to the next generation.

Thoughts on Rasin Music Today

Paul describes Rasin as “alive and strong, but always changing.” He loves how today’s young artists use old rhythms but add fresh sounds. “Rasin isn’t just a style. It’s a spirit. And that spirit survives any trend,” he insists.

Dadi stands by tradition yet welcomes the shift. “As long as the tanbou plays, Rasin will never die,” he grins. He believes the genre needs new voices to keep growing. He often tells up-and-coming musicians: “Find your own story—but carry the soul of the drum with you.”

Inside Their Collaborative Process

Working together, family dynamics stay strong. Paul says, “With Dadi, there’s no hierarchy in the studio. Every idea gets heard. Some sessions run late into the night, but we always find common ground.” When tensions rise, they fall back on respect and humor—a good joke breaks any deadlock.

Dadi enjoys watching Paul shape the music. “He knows when to push, when to listen. Our collaboration is like a call-and-response—sometimes I lead, sometimes he does. The remix shows we can blend our voices without losing what makes each of us different.”

Together, their approach is:

• Equal input: No idea is off the table.

• Mutual respect: Each listens to the other’s vision.

• Shared heritage: They use their family bond as creative fuel.

Upcoming Projects and What’s Next

Neither Paul nor Dadi plan to slow down. Paul is rolling out new singles that keep the Rasin spirit alive, mixing acoustic sets with bold electric jams. He’s also hinting at more collaborations that stretch outside the family tree, welcoming other artists to join him.

Dadi continues to tour, record, and advise a wave of next-generation musicians. He’s working on fresh arrangements and thinking about a documentary project that tells the story of Haitian roots music through a family lens.

Fans can expect:

• New music videos and live events from Paul

• Potential anniversary shows that bring Boukman Eksperyans and younger acts together

• Workshops and talks led by Dadi, focused on passing traditions to young musicians

Paul sums up their outlook: “We’re just getting started. Haitian music still has so much to show the world. And we’re ready for the next chapter.”

By speaking straight from the heart, Paul and Dadi remind listeners that every beat and lyric is part of a bigger, ongoing story—one where past and future meet in the here and now.

Bringing Paul and Dadi Beaubrun together on “Gade Sa Yo Fè Mwen” marks a key moment for Haitian roots music. Their remix not only invites new listeners into the Rasin sound but also proves that tradition can move while keeping its heartbeat. Family, music, and heritage come together here, giving fans something both familiar and fresh.

The mix of classic Rasin drums with bold guitar riffs shows that innovation and respect for the past can happen side by side. With Paul channeling the lessons of his mentors and Dadi blending years of experience with an open mind, they set a high bar for future collaborations.

This project offers more than just a new version of a beloved song. For anyone who follows Haitian music, it stands out for a few big reasons:

Many artists talk about honoring the past, but few show it as clearly as Paul and Dadi. Their collaboration, grounded in real respect and genuine creativity, signals a bright future for Rasin.

The partnership between uncle and nephew hints at much more to come from Haitian music. By making space for old and new influences, they invite young musicians to explore their roots, add their own voice, and find pride in every drumbeat.

With streaming, global concerts, and a growing fan base, Rasin music is ready to travel even further. As more family collaborations bloom and as future stars take the mic, the foundation built by bands like Boukman Eksperyans will keep supporting what comes next.

Paul and Dadi have set the stage for the next generation. The story of Rasin is still being written—one remix, one song, and one family at a time.