Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu,
MÉLISSA Laveaux, the France-based, Canadian-Haitian singer and guitarist has been captivated by the striking similarities she discovered between the cultures and music of Haiti and Zimbabwe. During her recent visit to the country, the roots, folk, and blues artiste was struck by the parallels in spiritual practices, culinary traditions, and the very sound of the music.
“I’ve been here in Zimbabwe for a while and this has been a very enlightening experience,” Laveaux remarked to Chronicle Showbiz after performing at after World Music Day concert at the Alliance Française de Bulawayo on Friday.
“We have many commonalities. What I have loved the most is that we have similarities between Haiti, my country of descent, and Zimbabwe. From the type of worship which makes special mention to our traditions, as well as the sound of music, it’s the one Haitians can relate to as well.”
Laveaux was particularly intrigued by her interactions with women in Mbare and the Matopos, who spoke of the central role of traditional foods and the kitchen in their cultural practices – a resonance she found with her own Haitian heritage.
“I was in Mbare talking to women and they talked about traditional food and the importance of kitchens, which is parallel to Haiti,” she said.
“I also loved listening to women sing in Matopos before we came here for the performance.”
While Laveaux’s musical knowledge of Zimbabwe was limited to the “exceptional bassist” Shingai Shonhiwa of the band Noisettes, she was captivated by the sound of Nkwali, whose music she likened to the “calypso genre which is said to have originated in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Performing with her signature percussive finger-style guitar and soulful French vocals, Laveaux hypnotised the audience at the Alliance Française de Bulawayo concert with songs such as, “Nan Fon Bwa” and “Kouzen.”
The event also featured a webtoon series by animator Left Hand Animator, showcasing the institute’s work in facilitating cultural and linguistic exchanges. In attendance at the concert were Thandy Dhlana-Jele, Charles Mahlaba, SoxThePoet, Jeys Marabini, and other creatives.
Laveaux’s musical journey has already earned her a nomination on the 2018 Polaris Music Prize Long List for her album “Radyo Siwèl.”
Now, her insights into the shared cultural and musical heritage between Haiti and Zimbabwe are set to inspire the creation of her next album, as she continues her tour of the region. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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