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Issue 1: July 06
Featuring Mecca AKA Grimo, & Abdias Charles.
Issue 2: August 06
Featuring Evans Thesee, The Maroons,
Mr. Reo, & Phillip Brutus.
Issue 3: September 06
Featuring Yvecar Momprousse, fashion designer Andy Jacques,
Nathalie Guillaume (Nati Dred), and Johnny Jacques showcasing the Creole Hip Hop movement.
Issue 4: October 06
Featuring the Haitian Woman: Fania Simon, Dr. Carole
Berotte,
Pascale Auguste, and Sulaah.
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Issue 5 - November 2006
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In This Issue:
Creole Hip Hop Spotlight: Bennchoumy
Myrtelle Chéry pays homage to beauty through her paintings
Gashford Guillaume and Mozayik: a new take on the Haitian 'band'
Christmas Story Contest
Creole Hip Hop Spotlight: Bennchoumy
by: Johnny Jacques
Through my journey this past year into the world of Creole Hip Hop,
I've encountered several situations that I can use as the staple of this movement and tonight was
another example.
The plan was to meet with the great Bennchoumy at approximately 7pm to have a sit down as I do not do
interviews, I only do sit downs. During this sit down we were to discuss a little bit of everything. As one of the
respected leaders and loved figures in the Creole Hip Hop Movement here in America, Benn was the
perfect candidate for my piece. We had it worked out to meet up at Kombit Restaurant on Flatbush
Ave in Brooklyn. Right off the bat Benn impressed me as he was right on time, something atypical for
anyone in the music biz.
To his surprise, I arrived at the venue with Queen Sulaah Bien-Aimee by my side. To those of you
that have yet to be informed, check the October issue of the newsletter to read about Sulaah and
her contributions to this movement.
After exchanging pleasantries, we began talking. During the early start of our talk I tried hard not
to stray off topic, so I focused my questions towards Benn's experiences in the business. As always,
we found it impossible to not stray and start talking about the movement. The Creole Hip Hop Movement
is like a life of its own. Benn, Sulaah and I discussed everything from the direction which the
movement is heading, its humble beginnings, conquering the Haitian masses to incorporating
International Hip Hop and other music genres while remaining the Creole Hip Hop brand.
Mr. Bennchoumy
Some of you may have seen or heard of Bennchoumy from the former Creole Hip Hop trio called The
Shepherds. Though a solo artist now, Benn still keeps close ties with the former members of the
group such as Little Haiti and Doctor Nicholas. The Shepherds received accolades during their
run and have been featured in many Haitian television programs throughout the early years of the
turn of this century. They've even put out a Creole Hip Hop CD called Devine Haitian Hip Hop.
These days the rest of the group has moved onto other responsibilities in life though they are
still intact as friends. Nowadays, where you find Benn you can almost be assured at least one
of the former group's members is near. Also worthy of mentioning is Joh-Well who serves as Benn's
hype man during his performances and who also is to be working on his own solo project in the months
to come.
During our conversation about Benn, I was able to clear up one of the questions that have been
lingering, what does the name stand for? As Benn explains it inserting his love for the art of
Creole Hip Hop, his real name is Bennchoumy and 10 years after he's gone, if you Google his name,
one thing for certain, you will find Creole Hip Hop in your search results. Benn continued to
intrigue me while explaining at what point in his life he decided to start rapping. As he explained,
this wasn't just something he decided to do. Of course, he stated, there was a day he started rapping,
but it was a predestined agenda. Simply put, it was meant to be.
I often describe this man to people as 'The hardest working Haitian I know'. Along the path of his
music career, Benn has represented his Haitian roots through the television lenses as well. In the
past, he's been the host of his own television show promoting Haitian culture. He's represented Haiti,
his birth land as well as Flatbush where he currently resides. As impressive as his resume has been up
to this point, Benn continues to show versatility and love for art and culture while preparing for the
launch of his first featured film "Selfish Love" this winter. You can see the trailer by logging onto
www.selfishlovemovie.com. There are also talks of another movie in the works.
Surprise
At some point during the night, we were joined at our table by a long time good friend of mine,
Marcus, whom I have been persuading to listen to Creole Hip Hop. He drove down to Brooklyn from
Queens to enjoy the live music that was being played at Kombit courtesy of their Friday night band,
Alegba and Friends. We all were sitting down feeding on some fritay while Marcus joined in the
conversation led by Sulaah, Benn and I occasionally asking questions or adding his own tidbits to
the conversation. Alegba and Friends began playing a nice jingle with a smooth reggae beat and I
while focusing on the conversation, noticed Bennchoumy's attention constantly taken away by the
band. A moment later, I noticed him reciting lyrics under his breath. At this point, an idea
popped up in my head. I began asking Sulaah what she thought about offering the owners of Kombit
some unplugged Creole Hip Hop during one of their Fridays with the band. Before we even had a
chance to speak on it, we all were shocked to hear what sounded like Bennchoumy's voice coming
from one of the microphones.
Sure enough, we turned around and there he was front stage with the band shadowing him as he
started putting lyrics to the smooth reggae beat that has been entertaining the halfway
filled restaurant. Benn went into one of his songs which I have never heard before.
He laid some crisp lyrics on the music as if he and the band had been practicing for this
moment for weeks. The band members quickly caught on while showing their appreciation for
what they were hearing and for his boldness by doing a one drop to assist his flow. The
tune had a great hook which would satisfy even the biggest skeptics and the lyrics perfectly
laid out for every Creole speaker to understand and every non Creole speaker to appreciate.
Soon after he started, I took a look around the room and noticed the previously calm crowd who
were simply eating not paying the band any mind, all of a sudden looking very anxious and alert
as they stared at the man behind the microphone obviously wondering who he was, where he was
from and if he was part of the band.
The owners of the restaurant, 3 siblings who opposed having Creole Hip Hop performed in the restaurant
in the past were smiling and bopping their heads unable to control their joy. Being the analyst that
I am, I took a very serious look at the people's faces and caught some passersby staring through the
restaurant's entrance and glass front windows. I assumed these people who stopped on their tracks as
they walked by the restaurant weren't Haitian. They were Caucasians who were walking in the Park
Slope neighborhood at the time Bennchoumy's uncontrollable urge lead him to do this. Needless to
say, at the end of the enthusiastic performance, the people looked like they would have jumped up
shouting with joy, but in order to continue showing their class; they all just clapped and let out
some hollers. It was all so suspect after the performance, I noticed two young ladies and a few
other people walk into the restaurant which hadn't seen any new customers for at least the 3 hours
we were there. Remember my friend Marcus, well let's just say this Konpa lover who I had to beg
to pay attention to this movement was definitely enlightened by our conversation, but after the
stunt Benn pulled, admitted that he was very excited and thankful for the opportunity to have
witnessed Benn's performance.
The band members also appeared to have truly appreciated this pleasant surprise. The band,
Alegba and Friends, itself is made up of 3 Haitian Rastafarian men, one other Rastafarian from St.
Lucia and 2 Caucasian women. One of the men was on base, two on guitars and another beating the
congas. The women were on the saxophone and another was the lead singer. The guy on the conga
drums at one point was reciting the hook of the song with Benn though he never heard the song
before. Like true musicians, they were able to quickly see the direction Benn's lyrics were
going and knew when to do the one drop and when to get back to the rock steady. At the end,
they asked Benn for his name and announced it to the crowd to receive a second round of
hollering and applause.
That act of defiance turned superb, was the true staple of who Bennchoumy is, his mission
on this planet is synonymous with the Creole Hip Hop movement. It also served as an example
of the energy and love that all the artists and those involved in the movement all share for
the movement, themselves, our country and each other.
Bennchoumy is the name, the journey is being written and the legend is being lived.
Quote to remember: "My real name is Bennchoumy so quitting is not a choice. Doing what I do wasn't
a choice. Long after I am gone, you can Google the name Bennchoumy and you'll find my name right
along with Creole Hip Hop."
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Greetings!
We are grateful to have this month's intro written by Johnny Jacques,
our Guide into the evolving Creole Hip Hop movement. Johnny reminds us all of the journey that Prodg Entertainment Promotions
has embarked upon, and invites us all to hop along for the ride. In addition to Johnny's intro, we feature interviews
with Haitian artist and painter Myrtelle Chéri, and get an insight into Mozaik as they redefine the Haitian "band." In our
Creole Hip Hop Spotlight, Johnny Jacques brings us another great artist, Bennchoumy. As always, enjoy! and please continue to support
our efforts.
Bridging the Gap
by Johnny Jacques
The moment I saw the Prodg Entertainment Promotions (P.E.P.)
newsletter I knew I had to get involved in this movement. There was just something about
the way it was presented that completely set it apart from anything I had seen online
promoting Haitian culture. The first effect the newsletter's articles had on me was
pride and then came the realization that we have some great people within our community
doing great things while still aligning themselves under the Haitian flag.
Once I was officially a member of P.E.P. informing readers of the happenings in the Creole
Hip Hop Movement, I had another awakening; I realized that my job was not done with just
the writing. Like the rest of the group that maintains the site and customizes the newsletter,
it was also up to me to promote it. I quickly began sending out mass emails relating to the
newsletters and updates about the site. It did not take long for me to begin receiving both
congratulatory remarks regarding the work of all the members of the site as well as requests
to be kept informed each time the newsletter was coming out. From the feedback I received, it
was apparent that most people that followed my request to read the newsletter really felt
enlightened and wished to receive the email reminders.
The site's contributions to the Haitian community go far beyond words. It is easy to find magazine
websites based on Haitian entertainment or read blogs and newsletters dedicated to Haiti.
But what is rare is finding a publication such as this one that speaks so highly of Haitian
people. I have always debated that although we all do love Haiti, we do not all feel the same
for Haitians, thus the reason we are our biggest critics and find it so hard to work together.
Well, Prodg Entertainment Promotions is daring to start a revolution that will change all of this.
The goal here is simply to heighten the morale of the Haitian public by highlighting the works,
the contributions of fellow Haitians who are setting the right examples. Through this we
will hope to remedy many of our intercommunity issues. We hope to bridge the gap that exists
between different factions of Haitian people which are not only separated by generations but
also by where they grew up. Often times you hear Haitians who grew up in Haiti speak as if
those who grew up here are slightly non-Haitian. Then you have the Haitians in Haiti whom
rumor has it view us Haitians living abroad as somewhat non-Haitian.
We are gearing Prodg Entertainment Promotions to serve as the bridge to bring all of these
factions together and rid the Haitian communities of this clan mentality until there is only
one community in Haiti and abroad. I truly believe one day we, Haitians will speak of other
Haitians with the same love and compassion as we do our country. We will support the hard
work done by all Haitians to please us. Prodg itself is an example. Here you have a great
idea to bring us together and the only way for it to become a success as it is envisioned is
through the support of the very same people it serves, the Haitian people. We have to support
the site by taking part of the movement and spreading the word, by financial means through our
donations. The day will come when you will not only be receiving the newsletters and logging
onto the site, but you will be able to pick up the latest copy of the Prodg Entertainment
Promotions magazine. The day will also come when this will be the premier Haitian media
outlet informing you of all that is happening within our community. To reach our goals,
we must reach you and the only way we know you are being reached is by your support and
participation, especially when you register as a member through our site.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all and please enjoy this month's issue while keeping in mind
everything you are reading and taking in all that is positive about us Haitians.
I look forward to the day we all reflect and say "I love Haiti and I love the Haitian people".
Johnny Jacques
P.E.P's Creole Hip Hop Correspondent
An interview with Myrtelle Chéry
 Myrtelle Chéry's paintings are inspired
by her memories of Haiti and the daily human interactions. Many of her paintings express a true emotion that people can easily
relate to and that is what sets apart Myrtelle's paintings. From the very beginning, Myrtelle Chéry knew what she wanted to do
in life. According to her report, she started painting at the tender age of 3 and polished her skills for 9 years at the
prestigious art school, Centre d'Art Haïtien, an institution that promotes Haitian art around the world. Since moving to
Canada in 1986, she received a Master's degree in project management and a certificate in Art History while maintaining a
keen interest for painting. She has participated in several art workshops as well as showing her Art work in solo and
group exhibitions.
Prodg Entertainment Promotions talent liaison, Carline Gele recently caught up with the
famous Myrtelle Chéry to find out about her and her love for painting..
Read our interview with Myrtelle Chéri...
Mozayik: A new Take on the Haitian Band
 A In the Haitian community the word "Band" is
usually associated with Konpa, but over the past seven years, Mozayik, an Afro-Haitian Jazz Band has been getting rave reviews.
Mozayik was founded by a core of Haitian-American musicians in New York City in 2000. Their goal is to explore their Afro-Haitian
roots while expressing their love for all types of jazz as well as gospel, funk, classical, and beyond. The Band blends mostly
African derived rhythms with contemporary harmonic and melodious elements. Eddy Bourjolly's smooth guitar, Welmyr Jean-Pierre's
lyrical piano, Gene Torres's talking bass, Markus Schwartz's zestful percussion, Gashford Guillaume's skillful and sensitive
drumming provide the special blend that makes this quintet, according to many, the best Haitian Jazz Band and their albums
have reflected that status
Recently our staff member Jenny Eli had a chance to catch up with Gashford Guillaume of the
Haitian Jazz Band Mozayik.
Read our interview with Mr. Guillaume...
Christmas Story Contest
Prodg Entertainment
Promotions is pleased to announce our first
annual Christmas Story Contest. Whether we've
experienced it in Haiti or here in the States,
we all have some fond memories of celebrating
Christmas. In 800 words or less, we would
like to for you to share with us the story
of your "best Christmas."
As usual,
our goal here is to uplift and inspire all
of our readers by first sharing the memories
of Chrismast past from a Haitian or Haitian-
American perspective; and by also showcasing
the talents of writers, aspiring writers,
story tellers, and humorists within our community.
Creativiy is highly encouraged as well as
works displaying tales of warmth, charity,
inspiration, and humor. The challenge is on,
dear readers, will you answer the call!
Rules:
Submissions must be true stories of Christmas past. and should be no
longer than 800 words in length. The contest will be judged by Prodg's
own editorial staff. The contest winners will take home autographed items by
Haitian artists, writers, musicians, etc.
Contest details and submission guidelines:
1. Entries must be submitted no later than Saturday, December 16th, 2006.
2. Entries can be either in English, French or Creole.
3. Contest winners will be notified by email on Monday, January 2nd, 2007 and the prizes will
be mailed to them shortly thereafter.
4. All submission guidelines must be met to be eligible for prizes.
5. Entries should only be new unpublished work.
6. Submission constitutes agreement with P.E.P. to publish each entry at will.
That means your work may or may not actually be published in our newsletter or on
our website. By submitting your entry, you are allowing us to publish and promote
your work in any and all associated web sites and newsletters of P.E.P. and in any
or all associated offline publications produced by us.
7. Your name, city and state are considered part of your entry and can be published by P.E.P.
8. You may request that your first name and last initial only (Ex: Robert D.) are published with
your entry. All other contact information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be
shared with any outside party, upon request.
9. Contest contributors may request a free link to their personal web pages or
web sites. (Links are subject to approval; they can not go to sites that contain
other contests or publishing offers, adult-oriented or similar material outside
the accepted range of our own site content, or portal pages connecting to such sites or content.)
10. You keep ownership of your individual creative work. We retain the right to publish it
in our publications.
11. By entering, you assert that your entry is your own original material and you own the
copyright. You indemnify and agree to hold Prodg Entertainment Promotions harmless from
any liability arising out of the submission or publication of material to which you do
not own the copyright.
12. Prodg Entertainment Promotions will not arbitrate copyright conflicts. Concerns over
disputed material must be addressed with the entrant, whose contact information will be
provided only as legally required.
Any additional questions & or comments should be directed to contest@prodgentpromos.com
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