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Camp Guatemala – Anywhere you go you will find young people with dreams. You will find musicians and artists. Haiti is no exception. Many future plans have been shattered on the 12th, but as the destroyed city is slowly waking up from this nightmare, so is the youth.
Just after sun set, the sweet soothing voices of the trio Negrillon (Darline Beauzile, Ralph Masson and Rodney Silveta) are flooding camp Guatemala. The campers are slowly getting ready to sleep while the evening band practice brings some rest to the worried minds.
Even though they didn’t have the heart to sing in the first few days, they now find comfort in it. They like to play for their fellow campers, but Ralph points out; “it doesn’t replace the need for food, water and shelter”.
They were in the process of recording a first album when everything went down. The studio they used to record in collapsed, but luckily they didn’t lose all of their recordings. They still have the passion for music and the will to write new songs.
As long as there is youth playing music, there is hope. There is a chance to heal, to rebuild. Culture is at the core of a peoples society, culture is quality of life. Culture didn’t get crushed in the rubble. Spending 2 hours in this oasis of youth, beauty and warmth is proof to me. I forgot how music has the power to stop time, to recharge the inner soul.
Enough talking, let them sing about love, change, equality, tolerance and hope….
Ha come on, one more song, this feels so good. (this one is in French)
P.S: If a big producer out there feels like helping out young musicians, contact me for Ralph’s email adress.
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15 Comments
2010-02-03
08:52:56
This is a beautfully written article about the incredible hope that these youth of Haiti possess and express through their music. As these young people take shelter in tents, and rely on the charity of other countries for food and sustenance, they still take comfort in their music and songs, and also comfort others with the lovely sounds, their words and visions of hope. The sheer optimism of these young people is an lesson of inspiration that should be spread worldwide.
2010-02-03
09:43:06
What a wonderful thing to witness. The spirit of human nature literally rising from the ashes. Thank you for sharing this with all of us
2010-02-03
10:50:13
Wow. If this was the only thing you captured about the people of Haiti (and you have already conveyed so much), it would be worthwhile.
2010-02-03
13:21:10
Thank you again Nico for giving us access to a glimpse of hope and spirit from the youth of Haiti. The power of music. As you say, hopefully someone from the music industry will see their videos and want to help them. Or get the links sent around to the movers and shakers.
2010-02-04
15:05:08
It is so beautifull to hear and see the young musicians in this camp. An Oasis.
And you are right: the St. Lucians understand the Creole of the Haitians. They translated the films and were very excited.
Greetings from this island to Haiti and thanks for your reports.
2010-02-04
21:07:59
That's very touching and beautiful. There's a blog made for China human rights where there is persecution going on. Its China human rights music made by people from around the world your welcome to check out www.freedomforchina.blogspot.com or can look us up on Facebook, 'Freedom For China', God bless,
Zubyre.
2010-02-08
05:07:07
MUSIC IS A GIFT TO MANKIND, CAN SOOTH THE RESTLESS BEAST, BEAUTIFUL..THE SOUND OF AFRICA IS BEAUTIFUL TO ME, THE SOUND SUCH AS " THE LION KING " SOUND TRACK.
2010-02-08
08:08:10
Right on Nico. Wonderful!
2010-02-13
00:40:00
That's the spirit Nico. Music is feeding the soul of the people and with the soul alive, all will be well. Do all you can (with and for the youth) as a musician yourself, to help them keep hope alive. I know you can. With best regards from ANSE LA RAYE, ST. LUCIA.
2010-02-14
06:31:41
I am a friend of Walleigh and he often speaks of your work and I can see why he is always so impressed. That's camera with a soul not a lens for sensationalism. Let your camera tell the truth about the Haitian people. As a video enthusiast for cultural and social documentation I say "go brave, brother!"
2010-02-16
11:32:36
[...] to be able to tell the stories of the Haitian people, and also a great responsibility. The beauty and strength of my fellow humans never stopped to amaze me throughout my travels, something I [...]
2010-02-16
12:28:47
We are touched by your report, it was a very sad
disaster. It is nice to see these people with the
music spirit and it is always nice to have the power
and the multivation from the people who understand
music. We wish you every power to continue the nice job. Greetings from Conny and Abbey ( Germany )
2010-02-17
15:02:37
i feel sadd YELDAR
2010-02-17
15:10:00
u all keep doing what ur doing
2010-02-17
15:13:49
I'm glad the people in Hati still keep singing after the what has just happened to them!!! But I'm so sad that their recording studio went down right when when they were recording I hope lots of people donate so they can keep on singing and recording songs