Beethova Obas (born 1964) is a Haitian musician. [1]
Beethova's father, Charles Obas, was a painter. A music lover, he named Beethova after Beethoven. Beethova was only 4 years old when Charles Obas disappeared after participating in a protest against murders committed by François Duvalier's dictatorial regime. Charles Obas was never seen again, [1] leaving the family in financial trouble, while also having a social and emotional impact. [2]
Beethova became a self-taught musician, learning the guitar and accordion. His first musical release was a song composed with Manno Charlemagne, "Nwel Anme" (Bitter Christmas). [1] In 1988, he won a Découverte RFI award for the Best Young Singer, when Manu Dibango, President of the Jury noted his voice and talent. [1]
In 1991, Martiniquan pianist Paulo Rosine invited Obas to sing on Malavoi's album Matébis after discovering his voice during a tour of the band in Haiti. Beethova then toured the Caribbean and France, gaining wider exposure and recognition. [1]
Obas' favorite artists to work with have been Jocelyne Béroard, Ralph Thamar and Manno Charlemagne all of whom he credits for helping him develop his craft. [2]
Best Young Singer, Découverte Radio France Internationale contest, 1988 [1]
Beethova Obas (born 1964) is a Haitian musician. [1]
Beethova's father, Charles Obas, was a painter. A music lover, he named Beethova after Beethoven. Beethova was only 4 years old when Charles Obas disappeared after participating in a protest against murders committed by François Duvalier's dictatorial regime. Charles Obas was never seen again, [1] leaving the family in financial trouble, while also having a social and emotional impact. [2]
Beethova became a self-taught musician, learning the guitar and accordion. His first musical release was a song composed with Manno Charlemagne, "Nwel Anme" (Bitter Christmas). [1] In 1988, he won a Découverte RFI award for the Best Young Singer, when Manu Dibango, President of the Jury noted his voice and talent. [1]
In 1991, Martiniquan pianist Paulo Rosine invited Obas to sing on Malavoi's album Matébis after discovering his voice during a tour of the band in Haiti. Beethova then toured the Caribbean and France, gaining wider exposure and recognition. [1]
Obas' favorite artists to work with have been Jocelyne Béroard, Ralph Thamar and Manno Charlemagne all of whom he credits for helping him develop his craft. [2]
Best Young Singer, Découverte Radio France Internationale contest, 1988 [1]