Michael Brun announces new album 'Lokal' out June 26th
First Single 'Akwaaba Ayiti' feat. Mr. Eazi & GuiltyBeatz available now + Music Video
WATCH MUSIC VIDEO, Directed by Haitian artist Tazspady
Afrobeat, Rara, Konpa, Hip-hop, Reggaeton, Electronic, Caribbean, Creole, French, African, Latin - few countries can boast the richness of musical influences of Haiti. It is a melting pot of centuries of music, brought to a simmer on the streets where Block Parties shape the beat of the contemporary music scene. Decades of musical tradition blended together by a new generation, more interested in moving feet than purism.
Firmly ensconced in this new musical movement is 25 yr old Michael Brun. A classically schooled musician who learned to sing traditional Haitian songs and play guitar, before picking up a set of turntables and a laptop, and music festivals, like Coachella, as Haiti’s first breakout DJ and producer. Ironically it was his time away from Haiti that brought him back to his homeland, realizing he was part of a new generation of Haitians who shared a responsibility to change the narrative surrounding their country while preserving its legacy. This led to tracks like Gaya and Soweto, catching the ears of Diplo, J. Balvin, and Arcade Fire, all of whom have tapped him as a collaborator.
His forthcoming album Lokal is by far the most important work of his career. Lokal is Brun curating the sound of contemporary Haitian music, a collaborative project that sees him working with the next generation of Haitian artists and established stars, a soundclash of the music bubbling on the nation’s streets and dance floors around the world.
Different tempos and traditions come together, as Brun fuses the next sound of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora with the musical traditions of his home country. Lokal collaborators include internationally renowned trio Major Lazer, rapper Baky, African superstar Mr. Eazi, Haitian vocalist J. Perry, Rasin Mizik icons Boukman Eksperyans and Paul Beaubrun, Rara-Tech founder Gardy Girault, and Raboday pioneer Balalatet.
Today, Michael releases the debut single - Akwaaba Ayiti. Featuring Ghanian pop star Mr. Eazi, and esteemed Afrobeat producer GuiltyBeatz, the single is a perfect introduction to the unique blend of world music that Michael will explore on Lokal.
“Haiti has one of the deepest musical cultures in the world, but people have forgotten that we make music, that we sing and dance. An entire generation of Haitians have been defined by an earthquake, but we are ready to control our narrative and shape our own futures.”
“Lokal was made in a community of our creation, one of pride and support, it’s a record where different ideas and moving parts can come together and co-exist.”
Michael was recently named one of the 11 musicians in Youtube's revamped Foundry program, a program dedicated to developing independent international artists. Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Cuco, and Gunna are alumni of the program.