by Jonel Juste
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO — Haitian journalist and communicator Wilner Jean-Louis says the country’s music landscape is experiencing a historic shift, with female artists now driving the industry and setting the tone for popular hits.
“We must recognize that women are running the show at this moment,” Jean-Louis says. “Any male artist who wants to make a hit, even if he has talent, has to team up with a female artist such as Bedjine, Rutshelle Guillaume, Anie Alerte, Vanessa Désiré, Esther Surpris, or Darline Desca.”
The former Haiti Press Network (HPN) writer says the rise of women in the industry is undeniable. “As a man, I know the names of most of these female artists because they are the ones in the spotlight right now,” he adds.
The communicator argues that the tension and rivalries often stirred in the industry are rooted in machismo. “Men have always thought they were the ones who had to make music sound good, especially konpa. They believed that if it was not men making konpa, then it was not good,” he says.
Jean-Louis references the pioneering all-female group Riské, which emerged in the 90s as one of the first to place women at the forefront as singers and instrumentalists. Despite their boldness, he notes, they faced challenges in a male-dominate industry.
Jean-Louis urged Haiti’s leading female performers to set aside rivalries and pursue joint projects. “If the women would take their time and work together on a project, that would be a beautiful thing,” he says. “Men only need women when they want a feature. That is why it is important when women take the initiative to form their own bands.”
The journalist praises a generation of women who are carving out a place in Haitian music, from legends like Emmeline Michel to contemporary voices such as Mia and Misty Jean, who break barriers in konpa. “Women must realize now that they are the ones making hits,” Jean-Louis says. “I am speaking this way partly to encourage them to work together. Do not fall into the trap of quarrels,” says the journalist who believes men are trying to sow division among women to maintain control, using the Machiavellian tactic of divide and conquer.
Jean-Louis envisions a collaborative movement among Haiti’s top female artists that could reshape the music industry. “Imagine a collaboration between Bedjine, Rutshelle, Darline Desca, Anie Alerte, Esther Surpris, Vanessa Désiré, Fatima, and others,” he said. “That would be something huge.”
The journalist’s comments echo those of Haitian pianist, producer, and entrepreneur Fabrice Rouzier who, in 2023, has credited women with keeping the genre alive.
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