Erol Josué, singer-songwriter, dancer, houngan, and author of the album “Pèlerinaj”, electrified the Caribbean Cultural Center (CCC), on October 29, 2023, with his performance on the Studio Fest Show stage which was the scene of a spectacular event.
The event, which took place as a prelude to the Day of the Dead or the “Gede” period in Haiti (November 1 and 2), was a memorable moment that ignited the Studio Fest show, which every Sunday welcomes Haitian musical talents, whether established or still unknown to the general public.
Accompanied by his troupe, the performer of “Gason solid” chained together songs from his discography, notably from his latest album as well as from the voodoo register, and this, with an overflowing energy. Apparently in a trance on several occasions, his powerful voice transcended the room, carrying the audience away in a whirlwind of emotions. Traditional Haitian rhythms mixed with modern melodies to create a captivating musical experience, transforming the CCC into a true sanctuary of music where the stage presence of the multi-talented artist dominates.
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The dancers, who accompanied the singer during his feat, brought a unique dimension to the concert. These talented dancers moved on stage with grace and energy, giving more life to Erol’s voice. Their movements, inspired by the “Gede” period, traditional Haitian dances and tinged with voodoo symbolism, created a bewitching atmosphere. Their presence on stage not only enhanced the visual aspect of the show, but also contributed to the musical narrative, adding an extra layer of authenticity.
The audience at the Caribbean Cultural Center was composed mainly of young people, especially students, who came from all over the region to attend this magical event. The musicians were dressed in black, embellished with purple, as was the group of dancers who accompanied the artist at times to create an enchanting atmosphere that recalled the “Gede” spirits. The Gede, as explained by the expert on Haitian voodoo culture and history, is “a space of debauchery, a mirror of society where we parody the “masters” of the colonial era, an opportunity to celebrate life and celebrate our dead.”
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Beyond his hellish performance, what made this event even more memorable was the interaction between the artist and the audience through the show’s host. Between each session, he answered questions from Marc Anderson Bregard, sharing anecdotes about his musical journey, his commitment to Haitian culture, his love for voodoo tradition, and the connection between the construction of the canal [on the Massacre River, editor’s note] and cultural practices.
“The construction of the canal is a pilgrimage on the path of our right, of our sovereignty as a people,” said the one who believes that life is a pilgrimage. Asked about the various voodoo ceremonies organized for the advancement of the construction of the canal, the houngan had to say: “I think it is important, it is what we call substantivity. Haiti has never done anything without voodoo. […] Voodoo was the cornerstone of the Haitian revolution.” This canal, continued the educator, is the straw that must break the camel’s back and give us back our sovereignty which comes through food self-sufficiency.
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The audience, visibly won over, reacted with enthusiasm, showing their admiration for the artist. Actively participating in this “show never done at the CCC”, as Bregard said, the fans chanted with rhythm and boldness “Abinader, se kanal n ap fouye, se pa charite n ap mande” [Abinader, we are digging an irrigation canal, we are not begging. Editor’s note]. This cry, a parody of the song “Pèlerinaj” by Erol Josué, symbolized the determination of the Haitian people to preserve their sovereignty in the face of the Dominican head of state, Luis Abinader, who is trying to establish his supremacy over the entire island, particularly during the resumption of construction of the canal drawing on the Massacre River initiated in 2018 and resumed on August 30, 2023 by peasants from Ferrier.
The composer left an indelible mark on the hearts of his audience. The spectators, carried by the passion and authenticity of the artist, expressed their gratitude by dancing and singing with him until the last notes of music. Erol Josué’s performance at the Caribbean Cultural Center was much more than a simple concert. It was a celebration of Haitian culture, voodoo tradition, and the artistic talent of the director of the National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE).
Erol Josué’s album “Pelerinaj” was voted the best album in the history of Haitian music in the “Top of the World CD” by Songlines magazine.
The prestigious British magazine Songlines has just released its December issue. On the cover of the latest issue of this magazine distributed in some sixty countries, we can see the Haitian ethnologist and singer Erol Josué, in an originally African and Caribbean couture. For good reason, his album Pelerinaj has just been ranked the best album in the history of music in Haiti, in the magazine’s “Top of the World CD”.
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Songlines, a magazine launched in 1999 that covers traditional and popular, contemporary and fusion music, features artists from around the world. In its list of the best albums in different musical styles and different countries in the world for this year, it is Erol Josué who wins the place of the best album in the history of music in Haiti and one of the best albums in the world music industry, with his album Pelerinaj released on May 28, 2021.
“Album Erol Josué klase kom pi bèl album nan listwa mizik en AYITI epi kom youn nan pi bèl album nan endistri world music la” , we can read on the Facebook page of the current director of the National Bureau of Ethnology.
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In the announcement made by Songlines on its official website, the magazine highlights the work that the Haitian ethnologist and singer is doing to change the bad ideas conveyed throughout the world about Haitian voodoo.
“The December 2022 issue (#183) of Songlines is now on sale. The cover star of this issue is Erol Josué, who is on a mission to dispel myths and misconceptions about Haitian Vodou,” the site reads.
As a reminder, a few months ago, the album Pelerinaj was ranked 7th best album in the world by the World Music Chart Europe. In an interview with Loop, the professor had rightly highlighted the work of demystifying voodoo that this album allows him to do thanks to such global recognition.
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