Haitian-born Montreal artist Wesli marks his return with his seventh studio album Makaya, a 24-track project deeply rooted in Haitian identity and built on themes of resistance, belonging, and connection to the land.
Named after a mountainous region in southern Haiti, Makaya pays tribute to the first maroons, symbols of freedom who led the fight for independence. The album reflects a heritage tied to Africa, drawing from traditions passed down through 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.
The album moves across a wide musical range. From the electronic pulses of Nago Electro and Maloya Yanvalou to the festive energy of Blackman Samba and Lanmou ak Konbit Lakay, Wesli celebrates the strength and dignity of the Haitian people. Tracks like Makaya, Papa Loco, and Mèsi Bondyé reconnect with African roots through Vodou drums and spiritual intensity.
Wesli also expands into themes of unity and resilience. Rebel Union delivers an Afrobeat-driven message, while Rèv Mwen and Rezistans stand as calls for solidarity and perseverance. On Chacha, Makonay, and Lanmou Nou, he revisits Haitian troubadour traditions, blending poetry with modern musical expression.
The project further explores traditional foundations, drawing from Vodou rhythms such as Banda, Petro, Ganga, Nago, Congo, and Yanvalou. Creole and Yoruba chants are layered with instruments including bamboo, manouba, boula, manman, banjo, accordion, and the peul flute, creating a fully immersive and spiritual sound.
Created alongside a diverse group of collaborators including Afrotronix, Tamara Suffren, BIC Tizon Dife, Sika Valme, Meryem Seci, and Ilam, the album bridges tradition and modernity through a wide sonic palette.
With Makaya, Wesli calls on the Haitian people to reconnect with their history, embrace their cultural pride, and rebuild unity through shared roots. The project stands as more than music. It is a call to memory, healing, and cultural renewal, reflecting the resilience and authenticity of a people shaped by their ancestry.
Stream below: open.spotify.com/track/1aS15