It does not sound like Creole, but, folks, it is Creole. While today many Haitians seem to be so proud that one of us has been “immortalized” by his nomination as a member of the Academy of French Language, I have been trying to preserve our maternal tongue for the last 30 years. With at least 17 albums and all songs written in Creole, I will never stop appreciating the beauty, the simplicity, the spiciness and the abundance of allegories and imageries in our language, the latter being the “daki” aspect of it which confused the French so much during the struggles of our ancestors for freedom.
The lyrics of my songs can be found on www.gifrants.com/lyrics.
We do need to preserve our language. Still, I do not want to believe that I’m among a dying breed.
“Soubreso” derives from the French word “soubresaut” and means “convulsion” not to be confused with “blip” which is a sound emitted by a device or a machine. In creole, it refers to an emotional state resulting from a trauma.
“Fatig” derives from the French word “fatigue”.
Soubreso Fatig—can be translated as being emotionally down from the hardships of life.
On a personal note
Many of my songs and compositions do convey some personal aspects of my life, and this piece is no difference. I have never experienced betrayal with so much pain and so much cruelty. This piece reveals not only my anguish but also my determination to move on. For some reason, I feel more comfortable expressing myself with my classical compositions though I am not short of words.
Peace.
Audio–Soubreso Fatig