Haitian-born Montreal artist Wesli returns with his seventh studio album Makaya, a 24-track project deeply rooted in Haitian identity, resistance, belonging, and connection to the land.
Named after a mountainous region in southern Haiti, Makaya pays tribute to the maroons, figures of freedom who led the fight toward independence. The album reflects a heritage linked to African origins, drawing from traditions carried by the Igbo, Congos, Aladas, Nagos, Yorubas, and Dahomés, all embedded in Haitian cultural memory.
“À travers cet album, je veux rappeler au peuple haïtien et à sa diaspora que nos racines sont une lumière qui éclaire le chemin de l’avenir. Notre culture n’est pas un poids, mais une boussole qui nous guide.” – Wesli
In Kikongo, “Makaya” means “leaf,” a sacred symbol in ancestral Vodou associated with healing, purification, and renewal. Despite centuries of colonization and suppression, this culture continues to live on through chants, rara rhythms, and spiritual practices.
Across the album, Wesli blends tradition with modern sound. Tracks like Nago Electro and Maloya Yanvalou introduce electronic elements, while Blackman Samba and Lanmou ak Konbit Lakay carry festive rhythms that celebrate Haitian strength and unity. Songs such as Makaya, Papa Loco, and Mèsi Bondyé reconnect with African roots through Vodou drums and spiritual intensity.
The project also explores themes of activism and resilience through Rebel Union, Rèv Mwen, and Rezistans, delivering messages of solidarity and endurance. Elsewhere, Wesli revisits Haitian troubadour influences on Chacha, Makonay, and Lanmou Nou, blending poetry, tradition, and modern expression.
Makaya further dives into traditional sounds, drawing from Vodou rhythms such as Banda, Petro, Ganga, Nago, Congo, and Yanvalou. Creole and Yoruba chants intertwine with instruments like bamboo, manouba, boula, manman, banjo, accordion, and the peul flute, creating a fully immersive and culturally grounded experience.
With Makaya, Wesli bridges past and present, offering a project that reflects heritage, spirituality, and the enduring strength of Haitian culture.
Stream below: open.spotify.com/track/3EuP4e