If you’re looking for intelligent, penetrating lyrics, look no further than Haitian singer-rapper-slam poet Roosevelt Saillant, aka Bic Tizon Dife, whose subtle poetry and inventive rhyming are the bedrock of his art.

Listening to his music is like taking off in a hot-air balloon towards something greater than oneself, to an awakening and a celebration of life. It makes us want to exchange online friendships for real-world encounters and to better understand the plight of Haitian immigrants and all the others. Dressed in the colourful palette of Caribbean colours, he sings loud and proud on the 2022 music video of “Je lève mon vers,” as relevant now as when it was first released. His is an unwavering dedication to the Pearle of the Antilles. And still, celebrating 25 years into his artistic career, he continues to write meaningful lyrics, with his performances serving like a megaphone and his fist raised in solidarity. His appeal has spread throughout North America, and in certain Haitian universities his powerful writing has been included to the curricula, giving it new life. Musically, his tunes borrow from folk-pop, amplifying currents to the intensity of his poetry. Between passionate rants and spirit-raising lyrics, BIC enthralls listeners with the whirlwind of words behind his rhythms. In a duo with Wesli on “An Tranzit”, the two artists are super chill as they bring their tropical vibe to wherever they find themselves. A favourite during the 27th edition of Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, BIC is finally returning this summer for an eagerly awaited show.