http://fliartists.com/artists/global-roots/lakou-mizik/
A collective of Haitian musicians blending Troubadou, Vodou, Rara and Urban Soul, with legendary master vodou drummer Sanba Zao, and young stars, Steeve Valcourt and Jonas Attis – LAKOU MIZIK is a thrilling bouyon of Haitian roots music!
In Haiti, African, French, Caribbean and American influences collide like nowhere else in the world. LAKOU MIZIK draws inspiration from the insistent spirit-stirring rhythms of vodou drumming, the French café lilt of the accordion and the joyful punctuation of Rara horns, With scrappy, socially-driven lyrics and Motown swagger, the result is a soulful stew of deeply danceable grooves that feels strangely familiar yet intensely new and 100% Haitian.
Music is at the core of Haiti’s sense of self and musicians play an important role, in documenting the country’s history and shaping its path. Today a young generation of artists is narrating the world they live in through music made in their neighborhoods, villages and post-earthquake camps. LAKOU MIZIK brings together generations in celebration of their cultural continuum, to shine a positive light on this tragically misrepresented country.
LAKOU MIZIK has been honing their electrifying live show in the clubs of Port-au-Prince – where their hours-long concerts are part spiritual awakening, part political rally and altogether intoxicating. They have built a passionate fan base and with their debut album are determined to bring their music to the world stage.
In Haitian Kreyol the word “Lakou” carries multiple meanings – the backyard, a gathering place to sing and dance, debate or share a meal, “home” or “where you are from”. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake, the barrage of negative news and images, the repeated phrase “poorest country in the Western Hemisphere,” , LAKOU MIZIK (“Music from the Homeland”) is an expression of Haitian pride and hope.
