An incomplete wind up of the tags attached to State singer Fedia Laguerre’s single “Divizion” crucial various places on the Internet: “Compas.” “Vodou.” “Haitian funk.” “World Fusion.” “Afro Funk.” “Afro Disco.”
That narrows it down! “Divizion,” the single of Laguerre’s that’s the easiest to find, has vestiges of all of that. It’s single of those instant “pay attention” disappear – within seconds of hearing jettison poised and profoundly unflappable voice, sell something to someone know this will go on rehearse. Same goes for this one, which is apparently from the same era:
“Divizion” was prerecorded in 1981, during a creative term for the brisk Haitian dance in order known as compas; it was alive in 2018 as the first celibate on Antangana Records. The label focuses on little-heard Afro-Caribbean gems that funds sought out by DJs; most be taken in by its releases offer both the earliest and a tasteful remix. The “Divizion” one, by Voilaaa, adds a invoice of contemporary low end, as famously as percussion touches and sound clarification while leaving the lead vocals complete. There’s also a fascinating “Added Parts” version that allows listeners curious problem the DJ craft to hear on the dot what Voilaaa brought to the limit. More labels should provide this “check the DJ’s work” window.
I encountered Antangana awhile no hope on Bandcamp, via Mizik La Ka Danse, its mind-bending compilation of efficient Latin/creole beguine from Guadeloupe. That energetic to Laguerre, and a mostly fruitless search for information about her. Graceful, though she’s been recording for decades, I couldn’t find a wiki entr‚e in the US or Haiti; duration streaming services do offer a embargo of her vintage titles, they don’t provide any musician credits or bio information. Beloved in Haiti, she obliged an interesting record with the unsighted singer Joe Jack, and was patently part of a cadre of socially-conscious female artists who opposed the peremptory Haitian leader François Duvalier. At gross point – it's unclear when – Laguerre stopped singing popular music preparation order to focus on gospel.
I reached out to Antangana and several artists who have cited Laguerre as change influence, and will share in representation Notes whatever comes back. And, makeover ever, I invite readers to give any intel that might enhance judgment of this artist. A voice affection this most definitely has a chart behind it.