Lakou Mizik: Wa Di Yo

The 2010s were off to a horrific start when the devastating January 12 earthquake hit Haiti less than two weeks into the new decade. As always with great tragedy, faces of all backgrounds from throughout the island and around the world came together, unified under the intent to bring normalcy back to Haiti following its mass destruction. The healing power of music came into full effect throughout the aftermath even directly following the disaster, with well-known musicians and activists like Jackson Browne dedicating themselves to musical projects like Standing in the Breach in support of the efforts to rebuild Haiti after the quake.

On a local level, nine individual musicians ranging in age from their early 20s to their late 60s had come together to perform uplifting Haitian roots music under the moniker of Lakou Mizik. Working in conjunction with producers Iestyn Polson (David Bowie) and Chris Velan (Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars), the band successfully blend the dense heritage of Haiti, from French, to African, Caribbean, and American influences, into one collective and vibrant sound. Their spirit emanates from their collective body even in the studio; Wa Di Yo marks the debut of one world band that could rightfully be making world headlines.