Of Haitian origin, of Montreal adoption, of global culture: Wesli is one of those artists capable of exploring different avenues while keeping his identity and his roots well anchored in his artistic approaches and his vision of life.

Born in Haiti, Wesli’s commitment and audacity quickly opened musical doors for him. He performs in several venues with the Afro-roots quartet Jazz 4ever and SoKute, and travels abroad with the company Kreyol Mizik. He produced and recorded the album Soul Horizon with SoKute, which was so successful that he could dream beyond his native Haiti.

In 2001, Montreal welcomed this young singer who was thirsty for new discoveries. He quickly worked with the Productions Nuits d’Afrique team and various major festivals, including the Francofolies and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. His talents as a guitarist also earned him a place of choice with the greatest Caribbean and African artists. The consecration is translated by the first part of Tiken Jah Fakoly and Magic System at the Olympia and Alpha Blondy at the Metropolis. 

In 2009, his first album Kouraj showed his ability to mix African instruments – kora, balafon, calabash, talking drum – Haitian percussion – Manman tambou, segon, kata – and guitar and saxophone solos. He will subsequently release five more albums between 2011 and 2018.

2019 is definitely his year. Named one of the “Coup de Coeur” artists by the Académie Charles Cros and recipient of the Juno award in the “World Music” category, he began an international tour that took him to France, South Korea, Switzerland and England. 

With so much to say, to show and to share, Wesli will take advantage of the outdoor stage of the Nuits d’Afrique International Festival to offer an exceptional evening of discovery and magic, in a festive, original and lively atmosphere.