Eddy Francois & Boukan Guinen (Haiti/USA)

Born in Cap-Haitian, Eddy François is influenced by 80s music and begins his music career as a guitarist and bassist in a choir. In 1988, he joins the Kompa band Superstar Music and that following year joins the famous band Boukman Eksperyans that offers a new sound combining traditional rhythms with rock and pop. Eddy François’s voice electrifies the band which enjoys phenomenal national and international success with hits like ‘Kèm Pa Sote’, ‘Pwazon Rat’or ‘Se Kreyol Nou Ye’. In 1992, Eddy François is considered ‘Best singer’ in the Caribbean by Rolling Stone. That same year, Boukman Eksperyans got nominated for a Grammy Award. A few years later, Eddy creates his own band Boukan Ginen (Feu d’Afrique) which enjoyed immediate success and received the RFI ‘Prix Découverte’in 1994 for its album ‘Jou a Rive’, then goes on to be on the cover of the New York Times following his performance in Central Park. In the early 00s, Eddy François starts a solo Career and releases an album titled ‘Zinga’ a fusion of soul, blues and traditional music with thoughtful texts. He released a second album ‘Djohu’ in 2008. Ever since, Eddy has kept on pursuing  his music career and performed all around the world. Today, he still has an extraordinary stage presence with a powerful voice that carries you down the péristyle.

PAPJAZZ is the perfect occasion to see this stage beast in action at Quisqueya University.