INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 09/06/1975(Age 50) |
| Born In : | New York |
| Occupation(s) : | Drummer, Trumpet, Piano, Producer |
| Genres : | Konpa |
| Agent : | NYAS, Djazz La, Vayb |
Born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, Shedly Abraham, widely known as “Djazz La,” began playing music at an early age, influenced heavily by his father, Raphael Abraham, a member of the legendary Haitian band, Orchestre Tropicana d’Haïti. Growing up in a musically rich environment, Shedly became a self-taught pianist and trumpeter while receiving formal training on the drums, which would become his primary instrument.
Shedly’s career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication. He has been featured on over 5,000 Caribbean albums and collaborated with some of the most iconic bands and solo artists in the Konpa genre, including Emeline Michel, Beethovas Obas, Alan Cavé, Arly Larivière, Tabou Combo, Tropicana, Skah Shah, System Band, Sweet Micky, Phantoms, Zenglen, T-Vice, Harmonik, Kai, Enposib, Djakout Mizik, Gazzman Pierre, and Carimi, among others.
In addition to his live performances, Shedly ventured into solo projects, releasing the highly successful “Djazz La” series, now comprising nine volumes. These albums feature Shedly’s reinterpretations of timeless hits infused with his unique interpretative flair. Beyond his work in the Haitian market, Shedly has long expressed his desire to complete an Afro-Jazz project. This ambition has led him to collaborate with world-renowned artists such as Tom Kennedy (bassist for Dave Weckl and Mike Stern), Richie Cannata (saxophonist for Billy Joel and Chaka Khan), and Grammy-winning producer Ken Freeman.
In 2016, Shedly competed in Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory Competition in California, where he earned second place in the drums category. Reflecting on his experiences, Shedly credits opportunities to work with leading jazz musicians like Tom Kennedy, Richie Cannata, and Grammy-winner Ken Freeman as pivotal moments in his career.
Shedly is also the owner and operator of his recording studio, “Djazzla,” a creative hub for both established and aspiring Konpa artists. Through his studio, he has shaped the sound of countless tracks, demonstrating his skills as a producer, arranger, and sound engineer. Shedly is currently the drummer and part-owner of the Konpa band Vayb, alongside lead singer Mickael Guirand. His contributions to the band’s debut project, Game Over, extended beyond percussion to include composition, arrangement, and sound engineering.
Shedly’s journey in music began early in life, drawing inspiration from his father and uncle, Norcis “Laventure” Abraham and Raphaël “Hycher” Abraham, both members of Tropicana’s iconic horn section. At a young age, Shedly taught himself the trumpet and piano while honing his rhythmic skills as a percussionist in his parish’s music group. His ability to blend syncopation and rhythmic fusion quickly distinguished him from his peers, earning him a reputation as an innovative force in Haitian music.
In the late 1990s, Shedly joined forces with fellow musicians to form “Lakòl,” a band that became a favorite among northern Haitian youth. The group’s success brought Shedly national recognition and eventually led to opportunities abroad. Upon migrating to the diaspora, Shedly established himself as a prominent figure in the New York music scene, where his fiery style and adaptability earned him widespread acclaim.
Shedly’s collaborations extend beyond Konpa, with projects involving luminaries such as Jean Caze, Bobby Raymond, Frédérik Las Fargas, and Kappa Tanabe in the jazz-fusion genre. His versatility allows him to seamlessly blend traditional and modern styles, ensuring his work remains relevant and impactful across generations.
Despite his demanding schedule, Shedly continues to innovate, exploring new genres and collaborating with diverse artists. His recent work with Guy Jules on “Quel Ami…” and his forays into Latin music exemplify his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Shedly’s ability to bridge the gap between past and present has made him a unifying force in the music industry, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential drummers in modern Konpa.
Shedly Abraham’s career reflects a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and excellence. Whether performing live, collaborating in studios, or mentoring the next generation of artists, Shedly remains committed to elevating the art of music. His timeless artistry, rooted in passion and skill, continues to inspire audiences and peers alike, solidifying his place as a luminary in the global music scene.
