Description

This is the second CD in the series Lafimen: Listwa Pèp Ayisyen depi nan Ginen (History of the Africans of Haiti).

CDs #2 and #3 lay out the Haitian Revolution in full: from the first great uprisings of the maroons, the rule of a military genius named Toussaint Louverture and his eventual downfall, through the continuing struggle up to the decisive blow – the final victory of the insurgent African army over Napoléon Bonaparte’s slaving expedition (Battle of Vertières) and the proclamation of Haiti’s independence on January 1, 1804, under the leadership of founder Jean-Jacques Dessalines.

The opening piece, “Makandal sove” (Makandal escaped), recounts the exploits of the legendary François Makandal, a one-armed African maroon leader who organized some of the most successful attacks against the French on the island of Ayiti in the late 1750s.

Riding Maten, his adventurous donkey, Jafrikayiti guides us through the woods to witness the famous “Bwa Kay Iman” ceremony of August 14–15, 1791. If you get goose bumps as you listen, remember that the professionally mastered sound effects only support the retelling of a true story: one of exemplary courage, deep spirituality and absolute heroism.

The 5th piece, “Sonthonax ofri libète Sentaniz”, puts in context the first emancipation proclamation issued by the French in August 1794, which sought to lure the kidnapped Africans into quiet submission.

“Toussaint Louverture, konsa l rele!”, “Toussaint nan tout sòs”, “Toussaint mouye Sonthonax” and “Tout blan fè bèk atè!” put the spotlight on the military brilliance of the heir of Gaou Ginou of the Kingdom of Allada, the great François Dominique Toussaint Louverture.

The CD closes with “Sa k ap fèt?” (What’s going on?), a rap performance by KOB Records artist Heru Lutalo. It also features Jafrikayiti, who delivers a special message to Haitians of all generations.

Track list

LAFIMEN CD #2 “Lanbi Libète” (Freedom Conch), produced in 2006, comprises the following tracks:

• 1. Makandal Sove (8’18) – Makandal escaped
• 2. Bwa Kay Iman (3’34) – The Bwa Kay Iman ceremony
• 3. Bri Kouri Boukmann Mouri (2’26) – Rumor has it Boukman is dead
• 4. Sonthonax ap Simen Grenn Divizyon (5’36) – Sonthonax sows discord
• 5. Sonthonax Ofri Nèg Libète Sentaniz (4’00) – Sonthonax offers fake freedom
• 6. Toussaint Louverture, konsa l rele (4’40) – His name is Toussaint Louverture
• 7. Toussaint nan tout sòs (6’46) – Toussaint is restless
• 8. Toussaint mouye Sonthonax (7’10) – Toussaint tricks Sonthonax
• 9. Tout blan fè bèk atè (6’48) – The whites give up
• 10. Sa k ap fèt ? (2’05) – What’s going on? (Kreyòl hip-hop)
• 11. Depi nan Ginen bon Nèg ap ede Nèg (1’06) – Brotherhood as ancient as Mother Africa