paul beaubrun

Paul Beaubrun continues his musical evolution and his eternal message of hope with his fourth studio album, Limyè A La. 

Limyè A La is the culmination of three years of direct collaboration with Paul’s long-time friend Michael Brün, and the evolution of his musical style and world view after years of touring, most recently with Arcade Fire.

Limyè A La translates to ‘The Light Within’, an apt title for Paul’s continued gifts to the world. His history is filled with challenges, first as a family member of Boukman Eksperyans, the Haitian band whose name references Dutty Boukman (whose religious ceremony started the Haitian revolution in 1791), and subsequently the ongoing situation in Haiti. Paul continues to educate the world about Haiti, and to bring positive energy through music for all to heal and move forward.

Limyè A La features a powerful cast including Michael Brun, Naika, Shirazee, KOLO, Kabysh, Badio, Keila Casasola Beaubrun, CIMAFUNK, and Keyon Harrold. Beaubrun keeps a balance of American roots and pop, with a strong Haitian rhythmic and cultural style. 

Limyè A La will be unveiled in full on June 7, 2024, with collaborative singles streaming on April 5 (Pa Kriye), May 3 (Find My Woman), and May 24 (Wondawoman featuring Michael Brün.

All songs produced by Michaël Brun except RASIN MWEN by KOLO

Mixed and Mastered by KOLO

Executive produced by Michael Brun

Album cover art work by Julie Rouzier Mevs

Michaël Brun appears courtesy of Astralwerks Records

A heartfelt thank you to our main sponsor, Rhum Barbancourt, for their support and collaboration

1-FÈY feat. Naïka

Music by Paul Beaubrun

Produced by Michaël Brun

2-FIND MY WOMAN

Music by Paul Beaubrun

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

3- WONDAWOMAN feat. Shirazee

Music by Paul Beaubrun & Michael Brun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun and Shirazee

4- PA KRIYE feat. Anie Alerte

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

5- RASIN MWEN (interlude) feat. KOLO, Kabysh and Badio

Music by Paul Beaubrun and KOLO

Produced by KOLO

Written by Kabysh and Badio

6- VOYE JETE

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

7- CONGO MAN

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

Arranged by Johnbern Thomas and Paul Beaubrun

8- LOVE ME INTENDED

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

9- THEY SAY feat. CIMAFUNK and Keyon Harrold

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun and CIMAFUNK

10- SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

11- LIMYÈ A LA feat. Keila Casasola Beaubrun

Music by Paul Beaubrun 

Produced by Michaël Brun

Written by Paul Beaubrun

Paul Beaubrun is a Haitian singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer.  Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, he was surrounded by the infectious rhythms and soulful melodies of his heritage. Paul comes from a musical family, as the son of the Grammy nominated band Boukman Eksperyans and the grandson of legendary Haitian comedian Languichatte. At 17, Paul moved to New York City, discovering a new world of sounds and experiences that would continue to shape his musical journey. 

Paul has gained recognition locally and internationally for his unique art; at the heart of his music is a captivating sound, a masterful blend of his exceptional guitar playing skill, soulful vocals, and innovative arrangements. Drawing on his rich cultural heritage, he seamlessly weaves together elements of Haitian Creole, French, and English, creating a musical tapestry that reflects the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic vision. With each note, Paul takes listeners on a journey through the history and culture of Haiti, while also exploring the broader themes of identity and resilience that resonate with audiences around the world

Beaubrun has been welcomed by many notable artists, collaborating or performing with Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Michael Brün, Arcade Fire, Jackson Browne, and Bob Weir. His captivating live performances have taken him to some of the world's most prestigious venues, such as The Beacon Theater and Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Massey Hall in Toronto, The Ryman Theatre in Nashville, The House of Blues in Chicago, and The Montreal Jazz Festival, and Coachella. He has also performed at international festivals and events, including Festival Internationale Nuits d'Afrique in Montreal, Le Trianon in Paris, The Paleo Festival in Switzerland, No Siesta Fiesta in Norway,  Canada, Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, Afropunk Festival in various locations worldwide, Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia, and many more. Through these collaborations and performances, Paul has achieved worldwide success and established himself as one of Haiti's most accomplished and celebrated musicians.

About Paul Beaubrun

The History

How do we view Haiti? This is an important question of our time, as it reflects how we view Africans, African Americans, and our true understanding of the history of slavery.

Haiti is the one. The only successful African slave rebellion in history. A nation with a view from outside direct systemic oppression. Yet Haiti has paid a steep price for their freedom: isolation, boycott, and constant media bias from colonial nations. The persistent media categorization of Haiti as an impoverished third world nation extends far beyond economics. It is the lens we have been told to use.
How does a culture become accustomed to owning people for their own economic advantage? Think of it, what is the reason for slavery? Economic advantage. We live in a world where economic advantage is celebrated, honored, and explained away as a basic human right. 

Conversely, how does a nation exist and evolve as a free society under the duress of punishment from other countries? One would expect the response to be an adaptation of the culture, a fierce and equal response to oppression. But that is not what is coming from Haiti. What comes is a natural expression of the human condition - the enduring desire for LOVE, for respect of other humans, and the desire to spread that love for all to hear and feel. 

The Music

Paul Beaubrun grew up immersed in music; his family formed Boukman Eksperyans, a mizik rasin band from Port-au-Prince. The band name is derived from Dutty Boukman, who is credited as the starting point for the Haitian Revolution in 1791, and from the English word ‘Experience’, which is a direct reference to Jimi Hendrix. The family was forever tied to the political upheaval in Haiti, and though they were forced in exile and subsequently returned to Haiti, they ultimately evolved to find a non-partisan stance that reflected the people, rather than a political ideology or leader.

As a teen, Paul was playing ball in Port-au-Prince and heard his mother on the radio, calling out to warn him of danger at their door. With the help of a friend he fled and made his way to New York. Here he honed his craft, but most importantly he carried his Haitian perspective forward – eager to learn, fascinated by the city swirling around him, Paul stepped forward with positive energy and embraced all things.

The movement of Africans to the western hemisphere was forced, and the music was often removed from the people. But the spirit was never lost, and soon the music was advancing the path – from Haiti to New Orleans, from New Orleans to Chicago and New York, from the US to London - African influences spread and mixed with local culture to create new forms and genres. Over time the power of this force revealed itself in new ways as these genres circled back to the islands and again formed new styles: Reggae and Mizik Rasin. Like Reggae, mizik rasin is old culture blended with new, imported sound. As the blues hit Haiti in the form of Rock music, Boukman Eksperyans advanced this new, blended sound. And now, Paul Beaubrun brings his perspective and carries the music back out to the world with ease – collaborating at every turn to learn new things, but also to connect through love and music. His positive view of humanity as a shining light is infectious, we all know it to be true despite the pain of history. We all need to believe, and Paul is a great ambassador of our hopes and dreams.

And so the music moves from the source to the people - the music is the language of natural human condition channeled to those who have a distorted view, to save them from their misconceptions. The greatest messengers know that they are simply messengers - unlike western idolization of talent - they realize the source is within them and without, and they seek the source and cast their particular style to translate the message for the masses.

Paul Beaubrun knows these things - he seeks to conquer the world with gentleness, with music. There is little need to dissect the message or the music - it is simple and it is indisputable. This is a human carrying the message of peace and beauty. The best way to describe this wondrous process is with the word Blessings – which is naturally the title of Paul’s album - Ayibobo