INFORMATION
André Déjean remains one of the most respected architects in the history of Haitian music. As a founding member and creative pillar of Les Frères Déjean, he helped transform a family passion into one of the most celebrated orchestras Haiti has ever produced. With talent, discipline, and an instinctive understanding of musical arrangement, André shaped a sound that continues to influence generations.
A native of Pétion-Ville, André Déjean grew up in a household where music was woven into daily life. Gifted from an early age, he became a trumpeter, trombone player, songwriter, and arranger. He attended Lycée Pétion-Ville, where he was part of the school band alongside Isnard Douby, Herman Nau, and his brother Fred. Those formative years ignited the musical foundation that would launch him into a legendary career.
André’s trumpet playing quickly earned him admiration. His style is marked by creative leaps, joyous melodies, and driving rhythms. His technique and long practice sessions allowed him to express his individuality without ever compromising the unity of the band. Throughout his career, he accompanied major voices such as Nelson Ned and Ansy Dérose, and he wrote or arranged many timeless classics including Marina, Arrête, Mots Créoles, Malere, Débake, Leon, L’Humanité, Côté Ménage Ou, Macaron, and Gladia. His musical versatility is highlighted by his ability to move seamlessly from the spiritual emotion of “La Foi” to the Vodou overtones of “Naide.”
His rise in Haitian music accelerated when he and his brothers founded Les Frères Déjean in the late 1960s. The band emerged during a golden era in compas and quickly distinguished itself. Under André’s creative guidance, the group became known for its refined orchestration, elegant horn sections, and deeply layered arrangements. Their albums, such as Volume One, Volume Two, and Déjean 8, showcased a modern compas sound built on live instruments, precision, and emotional depth. Their work shaped the direction of the genre and influenced how orchestral Haitian music was arranged for decades to come.
André’s musicianship extended far beyond the studio. His talent has long been recognized by other musicians worldwide. One story he often recounts demonstrates the universal respect he commands. While visiting a music store in Manhattan, he tested a trumpet by playing the solo from “Marina.” The purity and elegance of his rendition captivated everyone in the store. All movement stopped. The musicians present quietly gathered around him, listening in awe. When André brought the trumpet to the cashier, the store’s owner, a trumpeter himself, refused to take payment. He told him, “You are too good, and it is an honor for me to give you this trumpet.” Moments like this reflect the impact André Déjean has on musicians far beyond Haiti.
From the early 1960s until today, André has maintained his mastery. His sound remains vibrant, expressive, and unmistakably his own. His ability to adapt while preserving the essence of his style is one of the reasons he is considered among the greatest trumpet players of all time. Now living in the United States, André continues to command respect throughout the Haitian diaspora and the wider music world.
In addition to his monumental work with Les Frères Déjean, André later joined Nu Look, the internationally recognized Haitian band led by Arly Larivière. His presence in Nu Look strengthened the band’s musical identity, adding orchestral depth, refined arrangements, and the unmistakable brilliance of his trumpet interpretation. His contribution to Nu Look confirmed his enduring relevance and reinforced his image as a living legend whose talent crosses generations and musical eras.
As musical tastes in Haiti evolved, André Déjean remained a guardian of quality. While new bands experimented with faster rhythms and electronic additions, he sustained a commitment to excellence built on structure, harmony, and musicianship. His influence can be seen in countless artists who studied his arrangements or sought to follow the blueprint he created.
Today, André’s legacy is both cultural and emotional. For Haitian families at home and abroad, the music of Les Frères Déjean forms part of their shared memories. It plays at celebrations, reunions, and cultural events, carrying with it decades of history and artistic pride. His work continues to be celebrated, sampled, and honored, reinforcing his position as one of the true architects of modern Haitian music.
The story of André Déjean is one of passion, perseverance, and an unbreakable commitment to his craft. It is the story of a man whose influence shaped orchestral compas, inspired generations, and brought prestige to Haitian musicians worldwide. Whether through Les Frères Déjean, Nu Look, or the countless artists who interpret his work, André Déjean’s contributions remain a permanent part of Haiti’s cultural legacy. His music will continue to inspire long after the notes of his trumpet fall silent. – Cheyna Pierre
