Nathalie Joachim was born in Brooklyn, to Haitian parents. With Ki Moun ou Ye, she offers us a deep dive into the Haitian musical tradition, enriched by her contemporary musical knowledge. We do not emerge unscathed from this immersion which is both moving and learned.
Ki Moun or Ye means “Who Are You” in Creole.
Nathalie Joachim graduated from the prestigious Julliard Music School in New York, then from the New School, a very progressive arts university in the American metropolis. She learned the flute, singing and musical arrangements. She also founded Flutronix, an urban and electronic music duo.
Although American, Nathalie Joachim regularly visits Haiti, particularly the village of Danton, where her family has been based for generations. This musical dialogue with Haiti began with Fanm d’Ayiti, her first album, released in 2019. A tribute to Haitian women, which was nominated for a Grammy for best “world music” album.
Fanm d’Ayiti consisted largely of Creole songs with beautiful string arrangements. Ki Moun Ou Ye broadens Nathalie Joachim’s sound palette. There are more experiments with sampling and electronic effects, particularly with the composer’s voice. There is also a teeming abundance of strings, percussion and of course flute. We alternate between more rhythmic songs and ballads, almost all sung in Creole. All the songs are compositions.
Nathalie Joachim’s classical training allows her to invent a new Haitian music, transcended by her American experience.
This gives a trajectory, a totally unique sound. Which will surely get even richer in the coming years. The musician often collaborates with American symphony orchestras and has taught in several faculties.
Hope to see her soon in Montreal. Please note that in March, she is in concert in New York and Boston.
Certainly, Haitian American musicians continue to amaze. Rapper Wyclef Jean, folk author Leyla McCalla and composers Sydney Guillaume and Daniel Bernard Roumain. Among others.
