I have no doubt in my mind that this guy right here will amount to greater and better things. I’ve known Mandela for a while now. We have attended the same school; we were classmates at one point. I remember this funny, crazy boy in my class always giving us a good laugh. You can’t be in a class with him not to enjoy yourself or always laughing. To be honest, I don’t remember him loving to sing, but then again, I left school(CMLD) a little early. So, when I heard people talking about him, I wasn’t entirely surprised because I think he has what it takes to be in this business. His personality is perfect for it. I am super proud of his accomplishment. For those of you who doesn’t know who he is, I hope you do learn a little something through the interview.
Whose Mandela?
Mandela is a young artist from Port-de-Paix, North West. I was raised in a family of 3 girls and 1 boy. After graduating high school I’ve decided to pursuit my career, I would move to Port-Au-Prince the capital of Haiti. I sing, play guitars, and write.
I was surprised when my brother told me about your signing. When did you know, you wanted to be a singer?
We all are born with a given talents, whether it’s writing, singing, dancing, etc. You know my talent was not something I was aware of at a younger age. Until one day I was humming to this “I Believe I Can Fly” by R Kelly. When my friends heard, me singing they encourage me to participate in my high school (College Mixte Lesly Docteur) talents show. I ended up winning the talent show since then music has become my passion and a big part of my life. From there I knew that music was what I wanted to do.
Coming from a little town like Port-de-Paix where people are so judgmental, were you worried about what they would say?
Whatever dream you have, you going to encounter a lot of outcomes, it is up to you to follow through with the thought. That’s why in my song with BélO “Pa Lague Sa,” the lyrics said “Pa bliye lafwa se zam pou goumen ak lavi a.. Pa pedi san fwa. Menm le fanmiw vle change sa.” Faith is the gun to fight life, don’t lose faith. Even when family discourages you. It is a way for me to say that as an artist, people see you as a role model. So, I will not allow individuals who have any positive things to say destroy my dreams or hopes. I believe in positivity, so if someone is not bringing that in my life, so they have no say whatsoever. As long that I know I am doing the right things that all it matters.
You know, when I think of you I still think about you being mischief (dezod) in class. Are you still dezod?
It depends on what you consider to be mischief. Lol. At one point, everyone at one point they were mischievous . On stage is where I would say that I am now with my voice and guitar.
Have you had a chance to travel outside of Haiti? If yes, how was the experience?
Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to represent Haiti in the “All for One Caribbean” that was held in Martinique at the Atrium Fort De France. Overall The experience was a great one. I was so happy to see how the Haitian culture was received even with everything going on. I saw that we have a lot of respect from the other countries from the Caribbean. Our Culture & History are well received despite everything.
Tell me the person who have impacted you the most in your life?
BélO, since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be an artist like him. Even better than him. He’s my role model in life. And more than that, a brother.
What do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
At this moment, I’m more focus on working on my first album. I pray and hope that God helps me accomplish more and give me the strength to do more.You know I see myself to be much more successful visited more places, but for now, I am focusing more on the present and enjoying it as well.
Everyone journey has been different, what is one advice you can give to your fans following their dreams.
My 1st advice would be “To believe in your dreams, and what you are doing.” Have a lot of discipline, keep your education a priority. Pray, keep the faith up. Don’t let anyone turn you away from your GOAL or introduce you to anything bad.
I love this song you have with BelO called “Pa Lage Sa.”This song is necessary during this time we are living. What inspired this song?
I felt like we all have been through a moment in life where we feel like giving up, or its seems the only best thing that you could do. So, BélO and I wanted to give people something to keep them motivated. This music brings hope and strength to everyone going through it.
It’s a tradition for me to ask anyone that I’m interviewing if they have one last thing they would like to say. I don’t know a message or anything that I might have left out to the readers.
The last message I would give it’s no different than my advice earlier: Always Beleive In Yourself. Stay Positive . Love your brother. Love one another. When you really think about it, we are not alone on this earth so let’s all learn to live with one another by respecting, loving, supporting each other. Thank you for the support and the love.
Thank you to my dear friend Mandela! Proud is the perfect word to describe how I feel about you! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Remember The sky is the limit!
Keep in touch by following him on Instagram & Twitter.
*@atismandela
Xoxo
Lady Sergine 🌹💋
ladysergine.com 