INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 01/06/1953(Age 31) |
| Born In : | Gonaïves, Haiti/Buried in Queens, NY |
| Occupation(s) : | Producer, Singer, Guitarist, Keyboardist, and Percussionist |
| Genres : | Compas Direct |
| Agent : | Les Diables du Rythme, Les Formidables de Saint Marc, Les Astros de New York, Volo Volo de Boston, D.P. Express/Gemini All Stars |
Antoine Rossini Jean-Baptiste, better known as Ti Manno, remains one of Haiti’s most beloved and influential musicians. Born in Gonaïves on June 1, 1953, he began his musical journey in his hometown, playing with local bands like Les Formidables and Les Diables du Rythme de Saint-Marc. His passion for music and his avant-garde lyrics, which addressed the struggles of the Haitian people, set him apart as a powerful voice for change. Ti Manno used his art to confront issues such as sexism, sexual harassment, power abuse, racial discrimination, and socio-economic disparities.
In the 1970s, Ti Manno migrated to Boston, where he joined Ricot Mazarin in the band Volo Volo de Boston. His contributions to the group’s album Caressé showcased his talent as both a singer and songwriter. Later, he convinced Arsene Appolon to recruit him for Les Astros de New York. By 1978, Ti Manno had returned to Haiti, where he became the lead singer of DP Express, one of the nation’s most celebrated bands. His time with DP Express produced significant works, including the album David, where he expressed his love for Haiti and criticized social injustices, including sexual exploitation, as heard in the song Corrigé.
In 1981, Ti Manno left DP Express to form his own group, Gemini All Stars. With the help of notable musicians such as Ansito Mercier, Mario Collin, and Patrick Antoine, Ti Manno infused his music with activism, creating a socially conscious style of compas. Songs like Nan Danjé (“In Danger”) highlights the plight of Haitians, both at home and abroad, while addressing themes like exploitation, racial inequality, and the oppression of women. His lyrics, much like those of Maurice Sixto, illuminated the suffering and resilience of the Haitian people.
Ti Manno’s innovative vision extended beyond music, inspiring movements within the Haitian community. However, his health began to decline in late 1983 due to an untreatable illness. In April 1985, efforts to save him united the Haitian diaspora under the banner of “Operation Chaché Manno” and later “Operasyon Men Kontre.” Community members and music producers rallied to raise funds for his treatment, ultimately collecting over $15,000. Despite these efforts, Ti Manno passed away on May 13, 1985, at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan.
His funeral, held on May 18, 1985, at St. Matthew’s Church in Brooklyn, was attended by thousands of fans, artists, and community members. Streets like Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue were overwhelmed with mourners paying their final respects. Ti Manno had requested to be buried in New York, with the possibility of repatriation to Haiti after the fall of the Duvalier regime. His final resting place is at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, where a cross was later erected in his honor.
Ti Manno’s work continues to inspire. His songs, such as Nan Danjé, resonate with contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter, reflecting on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Scholars Georges Eugène Fouron and Nina Glick Schiller drew from his work to explore Haitian transnational identity in their article, “Everywhere We Go, We Are in Danger.” His commitment to addressing societal issues through music left a profound legacy in Haitian art and culture.
Though decades have passed since his untimely death, Ti Manno’s impact endures. His music, interviews, and the movements he inspired remain a testament to his dedication to social justice and the empowerment of the Haitian people. As a cultural icon, Ti Manno’s legacy continues to guide and inspire future generations.
Les Diables du Rythme, Les Formidables de Saint Marc, Volo Volo, Les Astros de New York, D.P. Express, Gemini All Stars
Emmanuel “Ti Manno” Jean-Baptiste
BIRTH
1 June 1953
Gonaïves, Artibonite, Haiti
DEATH
13 May 1985 (aged 31)
Manhattan, New York County (Manhattan), New York, USA
BURIAL
Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum
Woodside, Queens County, New York, USA
MEMORIAL ID
126756032
