Jean-Claude Martineau - Haiti Observer Blog

Emeline Michel, songwriter born and bred in Haiti, has always flaunted her Haitian roots and she says that the rhythm and lyrics of her 10 albums are all inspired by Haiti and its culture. She says that there is no other element present in her work and it is 100% pure just like Tropicana - a humorous comparison! The poetry-music blend of Emeline Michel at Big Night in Little Haiti is about giving international audience an experience of the Haitian culture without the need to visiting Haiti physically.

For 20 years, Emeline Michel - the vocalist and songwriter, has travelled intensively to help Haitian music spirit penetrate the hearts and souls of global audience. On April 19, she performed at monthly shindig of Little Haiti. This performance was the result of a partnership with O, Miami Poetry Festival.

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The poignant song by Koralen Jean-Claude Martino, arguably most famously sung by Manno Charlemagne, speaks to the melancholy horrors of Haitians' second instance of being sold into slavery, by the United States during their first occupation of the country, between 1914 and 1934.

Strung together by notes of a minor influence, with lyrics that invoke the despondency of those experiencing life as the Vyewo, sold to work on sugar plantations in neighboring countries, the mainly somber melody is interspersed with contrastingly allegro moments, creating an empathetic understanding, even in those who do not understand the language sung.

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