Local musicians release song for Haiti

Singer and songwriter Dave Martins, in collaboration with nine other local musicians, on Friday launched “Bientot Haiti,” a song written in support of earthquake ravaged nation.

Speaking at the launch at the National Communica-tions Network Studio, Martins explained that the concept of the song is that things will be well in the earthquake-hit island. He said it is intended as a message of encouragement for the Haitian people.

Bientot is French for “soon” or “in time.” Martins said he was inspired to do the song while working on his recently-released album.

The singers on the track are Sean Bohla, Big Red, Jessica Xavier, Calvin Burnette, Vanilla, B52, Tennicia DeFreitas, Rupert Singh and Raoul Samuels. Producer Burchmore Simon, who did the drum sequence, Oliver Basdeo and Remo Bowen also worked on the track.

In the photo seated, from right are Dave Martins, Jessica Xavier, Burchmore Simon. Standing behind from left to right are: Rupert Singh, Raoul Samuels, Tennicia De Fretias, Vanilla, Big Red, B52 and Ravi Persaud the video eitor. Absent from photo is Sean Bhola and Calvin Burnette. (Tiffny Rhodius photo)

Many of the artists were pleased with the collaboration. De Freitas said that she was excited when she was asked to be part of the effort. She added that it felt good doing something for the Haitians, in their capacity as musicians.

While Big Red called it an honour to work, with Martins she also said that the collaboration between artists was “really good.”  Xavier said that the single was a way of giving back using the talents they have and Vanilla stated that it was easy working with Martins.

The song was launched on DVD, which will go to local media houses and a CD for distribution to the local and the Caribbean radio stations as a voluntary effort. The song was recorded at Kross Kolor Records.

Martins pointed out that the entire song and DVD was a voluntary effort. However, he said that sponsorship will be sought if the song gains more attention and may need commercial distribution. For now the song was created to boost the morale of the people of Haiti, he stated.