Lakou Mizik, 79rs Gang

Biography

Lakou Mizik is a multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The group came together in November 2010 in Port-au-Prince, initiated by guitarist and singer Steeve Valcourt (son of an iconic Haitian musician), singer Jonas Attis, and American producer Zach Niles, amid challenges like a cholera epidemic and political unrest. Their mission was to showcase Haiti's cultural resilience through roots music, blending elder legends with young talents to spread messages of pride, strength, and hope. Key members include Sanba Zao, a veteran of the racine (roots) music movement and master drummer; Jonas Attis, a prolific songwriter mixing roots, pop, and hip-hop; Nadine, a powerful roots singer who overcame initial hesitations due to her Christian background; bassist Lamarre Junior, who bridges church and vodou music; and rara horn players Ti Piti and James from the Silibo Tet Syel band, whose intricate melodies define the group's sound.[1][2][4]

The band's career developed through electrifying live shows that evoke church revivals, political rallies, and vodou rituals, leading to their critically acclaimed debut album Wa Di Yo, recorded at the Artists Institute in Jacmel. Their music fuses Haitian traditions like rara, vodou rhythms, and racine with African, French, Caribbean, and U.S. influences, featuring call-and-response vocals, accordion, intricate bass, interlocking guitars, and polyrhythmic horns. Lakou Mizik has become one of Haiti's hottest international exports, performing globally and releasing collaborative works like the 2019 album HaitiaNola, which connects Haitian Kanaval traditions with New Orleans Mardi Gras sounds alongside American artists.[1][2][5][6]

Lakou Mizik's legacy lies in reviving and modernizing Haitian roots music, honoring cultural heritage while addressing social issues through danceable, soulful grooves. Spanning ages from early twenties to late sixties, the nine-member ensemble represents diverse backgrounds across Haiti, fostering unity and inspiring global audiences with their positive, healing messages.[2][4][7]

Fun Facts

• The band name 'Lakou Mizik' refers to a communal gathering place in Haitian Kreyòl, symbolizing home and heritage.[4]
• Rara horn players Ti Piti and James, friends since grade school from the Jalousie neighborhood, were initially forbidden by parents from associating but formed an unbreakable bond, aspiring to elevate the simple rara cornet to concert hall status.[1]
• Singer Nadine initially hesitated to join due to her Christian background and concerns about family reactions to vodou songs, but encouragement from bandmates led her to become one of Haiti's most powerful roots singers.[1]
• The group recorded their debut at a studio and music school in Jacmel built by the We Are the World Foundation to develop Haiti's music industry.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sanba Zao - Legend of Haitian racine roots music movement, founder of back-to-earth movement, master drummer and frontman (Lakou Mizik debut album Wa Di Yo) [Nearly 30 years in music, joined post-2010]
• Steeve Valcourt's father - Iconic Haitian musician who influenced Steeve's production work with young artists (Early productions, Lakou Mizik formation) [Pre-2010 onwards]

Key Collaborators

• 79rs Gang - New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian group, key partners on cross-cultural album blending Haitian and NOLA traditions (HaitiaNola (2019), Take Me to the River project) [2010s-2019]
• Zach Niles - American producer who co-founded the band and assembled lineup (Wa Di Yo album, live shows) [2010 onwards]
• Raja Kassis (Antibalas), King James, Anders Osborne - Guest artists from New Orleans on collaborative album (HaitiaNola) [2019]
• Steeve Valcourt, Jonas Attis, Nadine, Lamarre Junior, Ti Piti, James - Core band members including songwriters, singers, bassist, and rara horn players (Wa Di Yo, HaitiaNola, live performances) [2010-present]

External Links

• Spotify