Beethova Obas

Beethova Obas (born 1964) is a Haitian musician.[1]

Background

Beethova's father, Charles Obas, was a painter. A music lover, he named Beethova after Beethoven. Beethova was only 4 years old when Charles Obas disappeared after participating in a protest against murders committed by François Duvalier's dictatorial regime. Charles Obas was never seen again,[1] leaving the family in financial trouble, while also having a social and emotional impact.[2]

Beethova became a self-taught musician, learning the guitar and accordion. His first musical release was a song composed with Manno Charlemagne, "Nwel Anme" (Bitter Christmas).[1] In 1988, he won a Découverte RFI award for the Best Young Singer, when Manu Dibango, President of the Jury noted his voice and talent.[1]

In 1991, Martiniquan pianist Paulo Rosine invited Obas to sing on Malavoi's album Matébis after discovering his voice during a tour of the band in Haiti. Beethova then toured the Caribbean and France, gaining wider exposure and recognition.[1]

Obas' favorite artists to work with have been Jocelyne Béroard, Ralph Thamar and Manno Charlemagne all of whom he credits for helping him develop his craft.[2]

Awards

Best Young Singer, Découverte Radio France Internationale contest, 1988[1]

Albums

  • Le Chant de la Liberté, 1990[3]
  • Si, 1994 via Déclic (ref. 840 373 2)[3]
  • Pa Prese, 1996 (ref. 842 009 2)[3]
  • Planet La, 1999[3]
  • Ke'm Poze, 2003[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Beethova Obas". RFI Music. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Singer Beethova Obas Reflects on his Career in Music". Kreyolicious. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Discography, Beethova Obas". RFI Music. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
Flag of HaitiMusician icon

This article about a Haitian musician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.