Kiwi and Haitian musicians release fundraiser track – in three languages

Local and international artsts have come together to produce an exclusive fundraiser track for Haiti charity, the Kenbe La Foundation.

Kenbe La [ken-bay lah] – the Haitian phrase for “never give up”, is also the title and theme of the track written in response to work being done to rebuild earthquake ravaged Haiti – namely the work of the very inspirational Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who lost family in the quake and established the foundation to help support schools in the area.

The ‘Kenbe La (Never Give Up)' single is a collaboration of musicians: Minuit’s Paul Dodge wrote the music and asked Nelson-based MC Luke Epapara (aka The Kurnel MC) to write and perform the verses, while Lisa Tomlins (Fly My Pretties/Fat Freddy's Drop) sings the 'Kenbe La' hook like she was from Kanye West's backing band, adding some haunting harmonies over the French chorus. The track was then mixed by Minuit band mate Ryan Beehre.

“I wondered how they'd go with the languages,” says Paul, “But they both nailed it. The chorus is L'union fait la force – unity creates strength, which is Haiti's motto.”

They say music is a universal language, and while the new single incorporates three languages – English, French and Haitian Creole – this special track isn’t just about raising funds, but also raising hope.

Earlier this year, Paul went to Haiti with fellow New Zealander, Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who had been living in the country when the earthquake hit in 2010. Her husband Emmanuel and two of their young girls were killed when their apartment collapsed in the quake.

In response, Emily set up the Kenbe La Foundation to help support schools for children – children who would not normally have the chance to learn to read or write.

MC Luke Epapara, a Dad himself, says, “I do everything in my power to give my kids the best opportunities they can have – so when I was asked to do this it made perfect sense and I jumped at it.”

After hearing Emily's story, popular Haitian musician Mika Ben agreed to guest on the track.

“We're stoked to have Mika Ben. He's a big deal in Haiti!” says Paul.

All the artists volunteered their work, with the aim of getting a very important message across – where there is life, there is hope. As one lady on the streets of Port-au-Prince told them: “Yes we have had destruction – but also Haiti has life here. We're still alive. We want to live.”

And why Haiti? “It's to support a sister – she's doing incredible work,” say the artists.

Emily Sanson-Rejouis says she loves the track and feels honoured that such highly-regarded musicians have created a song for the Kenbe La Foundation.

“The song is really inspiring,” she says. “It sends a message of unity and hope to the youth in Haiti and I also think people across New Zealand will relate to it with the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. The first lines of the song really ring home,..Listen.. this could happen to your kid.”

The track is available to download from http://kenbela.bandcamp.com as well as all digital stores.

Follow the story at http://kenbelafoundation.org, take inspiration, pass on the link, and feel good about making a positive action happen in the world – Kenbe La!

Notes to editors:

THE WORDS

The track has English, French and Haitian Creole:
“Kenbe La” [ken-bay lah] is the Haitian phrase for “hang in there, never give up”
“L'union fait la force” is the Haitian motto, French for “Unity creates strength”
“Sak pase? Nap boule!” [sark-parsay, nup boo-lay] “What's up?” with the reply “We're doing great!”

Literally it translates to "what's up", and the answer: "we're burning", which refers to a candle or a fire that burns until it dies. So I'm burning means: I am living, I am alive.

THE MUSICIANS

Mika Ben: Son of well-known Haitian artist Lionel Benjamin, Mika sprung onto the Haitian music stage as a popular star in his own right with his personable character, cheeky grin and heart for the people. His positivity and love of life is infectious and he lives it through his music.

Luke Epapara aka The Kurnel MC: Nelson MC and member of hiphop crew Master Pilot, Luke understood what was wanted for the track immediately. Based on the narrative of Emily's own story he captures the essence of the song – which is hope. You may not have a choice about what happens in life, but you do have a choice how you will respond.

Lisa Tomlins (Fly My Pretties): You will have heard this Wellingtonian's sparkling vocals on many records from Rhombus to Fat Freddy's to Fly My Pretties. Lisa sings the Kenbe La hook like she was in Kanye West's backing band, and layers some haunting harmonies over the chorus – in French.

Paul Dodge: Member of kiwi electronic act Minuit, Paul travelled to Haiti with Emily earlier this year and filmed some clips of the trip. Follow them at www.youtube.com/kenbelafoundationvid

Emily Sanson-Rejouis: Emily says, "The musical talent behind this track is really strong with the contributions of Mika Ben, Paul, Luke, Lisa and Ryan. I’d love to see this make it into the charts!”

The track was produced by Paul Dodge and mixed by Ryan Beehre from the band Minuit.

THE MUSIC VIDEO

This is the side of Haiti that you don't often see on TV

It's not just money the group want to raise. It's also awareness, inspiration and to show another side of Haiti. A country overflowing with passion, life and talent, but which lacks simple opportunities that you and I would take for granted – the fact you can read this article being one of them.

The video features infamous graffiti artist 'Jerry' who agreed to paint a Kenbe La wall in one of the hard hit streets of delmas 32. He says: “it's not just putting spraypaint on the wall, for me I want to put some positive messages and help people to get out of their situation. To put hope in their minds.”

It follows a hiphop dance workshop and captures some local freestyling. It's all about hope, and as Jerry says, “I'm looking for a new Haiti and i'm waiting for the youth to take over. That's what I try and achieve with my graffiti. To get the youth strong and then to take over then to lead the country”