Folk Jazz Artist Beethova Obas

Updated December 31, 2012 6:42 PM

Musician Beethova Obas was born in Haiti in 1964, son of Haitian artist, Charles Obas. The youngest sibling in his family, he grew up under the terror regime of François Duvalier and his death squad, Ton Ton Macoutes. The death squad threatened citizens, who dared criticize Duvalier policies. Often mysterious disappearances occurred, in which a member of the community was never seen again. Beethova's father was such a victim, last seen protesting near Port-au-Prince's presidential house.

Beethova continued his father's legacy as a musician and social activist. He became a self-taught musician, learning the craft on his father's instruments. Immersing himself in Haitian music, he also developed an ardent interest in jazz.

In 1987, Beethova Obas entered the music scene, penning "Plezi Mize" for Haitian folk artist, Emeline Michel. Several months later, folk legend, Manno Charlemagne, sustained a gunshot wound, delivered by assailants loyal to Duvalier, ousted the year before. Word had got out Manno was going to record Beethova's "Nwel Anmé" (Sour Christmas) as an anti-government protest song. Beethova recorded the song in Manno's place.

Beethova Obas released previously-recorded material Le Chant de Liberté in 1990. And in 1991, he began touring and recording with Malavoi, a Martinique band, playing in France and throughout the Caribbean. He also appeared on their next album Matebis.

Fleeing from the repressive atmosphere of Haiti, he traveled to Puerto Rico and New York. His fame as a singer had spread far beyond the boundaries of Haiti and the Caribbean, and today he continues to charm music lovers with velvet, jazz-inflected vocals, and Brazilian-influenced phrasings.

Beethova Obas Music Video

Reply to this article