Haitian musician Paul Beaubrun is set to perform his new album, Vertières, live for the first time at Joe’s Pub in New York on Saturday, November 14. This performance occurs just four days before the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, a pivotal conflict in 1803 that contributed to Haiti’s independence.
Beaubrun describes Vertières as more than a reflection of a historical event; it is also an expression of his own journey towards personal transformation. He connects the bravery of those who fought during the battle to his own struggles for self-discovery and freedom. “For me, saying Vertières, I don’t take it lightly,” Beaubrun told The Haitian Times. “It’s a way to shine light on an incredible achievement, but I also took that light to myself, making it personal.”
The album’s title track draws parallels between Beaubrun and key historical figures, including Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Dutty Boukman, and Malcolm X. Through his lyrics, Beaubrun asserts, “I am Vertières, I am Dessalines, I am Malcolm X, I am Boukman,” emphasizing the significance of legacy in shaping his identity. The track culminates in a powerful declaration of freedom and resilience.
Beaubrun’s upcoming performance will be divided into two sections. The first part will feature songs from Vertières, while the second will revisit older pieces, weaving together narratives from various stages of his career. “We want to tell a whole story of the journey,” Beaubrun stated.
The inspiration behind Vertières came after what Beaubrun described as a significant personal change in his life. He began writing music two to three years ago, driven by his experiences and his internal emotional landscape. “If you listen to the album, it’s a story,” he explained, underscoring the careful crafting of each song to create a coherent narrative.
During the recording of the album, Beaubrun collaborated closely with his longtime friend Kolo, his uncle Daddy Beaubrun, and producer Michael Brun. Their goal was to capture a raw and authentic sound that reflects Beaubrun’s emotional journey. “This album is a chapter of my life, of the transformation that I was going through,” he said.
Family ties will be central to the concert as his uncle, Daddy Beaubrun, will perform alongside him. A former member of the Grammy-nominated band Boukman Eksperyans, Daddy has significantly influenced Paul’s musical development. Beaubrun expressed gratitude for the freedom his uncle has given him to create while offering guidance throughout the album’s production. “It wasn’t about dictating my sound; it was about allowing me to express myself,” he noted.
As Beaubrun prepares for the New York concert, he reflects on the themes within Vertières. While the album honors Haiti’s historical struggle for freedom, it also raises questions about personal liberation and self-reflection. “If we want any change, any revolution, it has to come from within,” he emphasized. The concert promises to interweave Haiti’s rich history with Beaubrun’s personal narrative, offering a multifaceted experience for his audience.
