Mandela Jean-François is this young man with a singular voice who stood out alongside Bélo on the track “Pa lage sa”. Singer, guitarist and composer, he took his first steps in the Haitian music industry in 2012. Mandela now has several songs to his credit, found on the albums of different artists. Among them, “Kreyòl chante kreyòl konprann”, vol 2 by BIC and “Natif natal” by Bélo. Meet this talented artist who, wanting to stand on his own feet, announces “Vwa pa m”, his first album, for the end of the year.
Mandela Jean-François did not like Madiba received the Nobel Peace Prize, yet his voice remains an instrument of tranquility for so many tormented lives. Indeed, one of his flagship compositions, “Pa lage sa”, is a hit carrying a positive, comforting message. “It’s a hymn for those who succumb to discouragement. It conveys words of hope ”, explains the little protégé of Jean Bélony Murat, who is delighted to compose texts intended for all social strata, songs that all children can hum.
Native of the city of Valparaiso, it is in these places that the child of the North-West made his debut on stage. In Secondary 3, Mandela took part in a singing competition organized by his school, the Lesly Docteur Mixed College, and won first prize. From there, the cultural manager of the said establishment, Wilkenson Alexis, decides to encourage the young winner in this direction. “He told me to get on the guitar, because he was going to help me make music,” recalls the voice of “Tounen”, a song from the record “Kreyòl chante kreyòl konprann vol 2” by Tizon dife.
A few years later, in 2012, it was still in his hometown that Mandela Jean-François met Roosevelt Saillant. A meeting that boosted his career. “At the time, BIC was on tour with the Alliance Française in Port-de-Paix. I was chosen to open the show, which I did by performing “Tounen”, which he enjoyed. So he invited me on his album, ”says the singer of“ Pou ou ”, who represented Haiti at the last edition of Carifesta, in Barbados. After BIC, it is Bélo’s turn to appreciate the talents of the composer-guitarist. “He heard me on the BIC album and then wanted to meet me. The three of us made the French-speaking caravan, then I suggested to Bélo to do a duet. From there was born the song “Pa lage sa”, released in 2014 “, reports Mandela,
The artist has come a long way, even if he regrets that he is not known enough to the public. “The public appreciates my songs, particularly ” Pa lage sa”, while ignoring, unfortunately, that it is me who sings it with Bélo “, advance Mandela who only breathes for the music. “My life comes down to music. It is my oasis, a way for me to communicate better, to exteriorize my feelings, ”continues one of the actors in the musical“ 21 nanchon ”by Érol Josué, played in particular at the 13th edition of Carifesta. In addition, the communication student specifies that success is not above all a question of money. “My success consists in hearing the public everywhere interpreting my songs, which generally carry positive messages. ”
In addition, Mandela’s voice is not his only asset. Tall, sporty, dark, the darling of Madame Audita Jean-Baptiste enlivens the eyes, without being a heart to take. Behind this handsome male also hides a reserved man, in love with freedom, direct and authoritarian. Lover of positive messages, the singer of Cyndi has thought of his audience. “I tell them to keep hope despite all the obstacles, because life in itself is not easy. Young people, do not indulge in drugs or alcohol. In fact, always keep control, do not drop out of school, and dream of a new Haiti, ”he encourages.
Used to collaborating with other artists, this time Mandela decides to stand on his own feet with his next album, “Vwa pa m”, scheduled for the end of the year. “This record is 50% social and 50% sentimental. We find there compass, reggae, classical music, traditional music. With Ruthshelle Guillaume as guest artist, ”promises the artist. Enthusiastic, Mandela Jean-François intends, with his music, to sell another image of the country, while proving “to foreigners that Haiti is a reference in terms of culture. “
