It had been only one night since Moonlight Benjamin had set the Docks Des Suds stage ablaze with her presence, her energy and relentless music drive. The showcase of the Haitian singer-songwriter at Babel Music XP in Marseille was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Expo, and it couldn’t have been otherwise, considering the vibrancy and expressivity of her artistry, the energy that only someone called the ‘punk vodou queen’ could embody.
On the following morning, we couldn’t help but seize the occasion to join our friends at Rebel Up!, who offered to be our “official translator’ too, and have a chat with her to understand a bit more about her music, inspiration, and her album Wayo.
Our chat began by remarking on the exceptionality of her set the night before. Moonlight smiled, the memory of the stage and crowd still dancing in her eyes. ‘The energy I bring to my performances comes from the moment itself,’ she began, her words flowing with the same fervour that graced her music. ‘It’s a profound sense of positivity that’s crucial to me, both in life and during my concerts. Sharing this with the audience becomes essential. This positive energy, filled with love and kindness, is a fundamental aspect of my concerts and my life in general.’
In the glow of her recent performance, the conversation naturally drifted to her latest album, Wayo, a philosophical journey woven with threads of inner reflection and connection with the outer world. Moonlight’s face turned contemplative as she delved into the essence of her creation. ‘This album,’ she confided, ‘with its songs delving into inner thoughts and the expression of one’s soul, was written during the lockdown.’ She spoke of disconnection, of listening to oneself, and of the importance of dreams. ‘It was a period of solitude, a time for self-discovery. I reflected on what I wanted to convey through my music and on the importance of listening. I realised the disconnect between our lives, the universe, and nature. The message I aim to convey with this album is the importance of self-listening and attentiveness to everything the universe offers. Cultivating positive thoughts, nurturing our dreams, and acknowledging their role in our lives is paramount. Our dreams breathe life into us, making us something greater. It’s through our dreams and creative expressions that we find our existence. Taking control and defending who we are and aspire to be is essential.’
It became clear that Moonlight viewed her album as more than a collection of songs; it was a manifesto of self-realisation, an urging to listen to the universe’s whispers. Curious about the intertwining of nature, the universe, and dreams within her music, we sought to understand how she envisioned people achieving this profound connection. Moonlight’s response made her vision clear. ‘The main theme of my album underscores the idea that people often lose touch with nature and the universe. My hope is that this album serves as a catalyst for individuals to become more conscious and aware of the natural world and the universe that surrounds us. Embracing and being guided by nature and the universe is vital.’
The narrative of the interview flowed seamlessly into the heart of Moonlight’s music, exploring the role of dreams in the pursuit of happiness. ‘Following our dreams is central,’ she asserted. ‘By pursuing our dreams, we can attain what truly makes us happy, brings positivity into our lives, and fosters love. This, to me, is the core message of the album.’
When asked to highlight songs on her new album expressing this message, she answered by introducing ‘Ouvè lespri‘, a musical embodiment of this philosophy, urging listeners to embrace change. ‘This song deals with the subject of opening the mind to change. Because when change comes to us, we cannot avoid it. If we try to resist, we get hurt. So it is the law of the universe, even change. Nothing is fixed, everything moves constantly,’ Moonlight shared her insights with the wisdom of someone who has seen much. Then, she followed with ‘Wayo’, which was another piece that spoke of keeping dreams alive. ‘Wayo speaks about dreams and the importance of pursuing them to achieve self-fulfilment. It’s also about being conscious of everything around you and opening your spirit to change. It’s about someone who yearns to free themselves from negative and erroneous thoughts that hold them back. They seek purification to break free from these thoughts.’
The conversation then took a poignant turn as Moonlight reflected on her connection with Haiti, a land she had not visited for years but that still pulsed strongly in her heart. ‘Even though I live outside of the country, the situation in Haiti deeply affects me,’ she shared with a touch of sorrow. ‘It’s disheartening to witness the continued deterioration of the situation in Haiti. Haiti seems to have no respite, and I often wonder when the country’s problems will end. While I acknowledge that I’m privileged to live outside Haiti and lead the life I do, it’s not easy when you love your home country and constantly hear about its struggles. It’s painful to see the negative aspects highlighted.’
Her thoughts turned to her most recent visit to Haiti, a place she deeply cherishes but struggles to reconcile with its present state. ‘I always have strong positive thoughts about Haiti. It’s a place I love deeply. However, given the ongoing challenges, it’s hard to maintain positive thoughts about Haiti’s current state. I long for the day when the problems in Haiti will come to an end,’ she said, a blend of hope and melancholy in her voice. ‘But I don’t have the answer to when or how that will happen. It’s a situation that I, like many others, find difficult to change.’
Her connection to her homeland was a tapestry of love, pain, and the enduring power of dreams, much like her music, which knew no borders. ‘Music in Haiti,’ she began, her tone imbued with the rhythm of her homeland, ‘has the power to bring happiness and positivity, even in the most challenging times. It’s a form of constructive expression, a way for people to come together, create, and rise above the troubles they face.’
As the conversation flowed, it helped us to to uncover the secret behind Haiti’s vibrant culture and music in particular despite its troubled past and present. Moonlight’s response was both a reflection and a revelation. ‘It’s evident that culture serves as a sanctuary for Haiti and many other nations,’ she declared. ‘Without culture, we wouldn’t be here today. People turn to writing, music, and art as a means of survival and distraction from their daily hardships. It’s their way of escaping and finding solace. In essence, it’s a lifeline for the people of Haiti.’
Her words painted a picture of culture as a crucial outlet for the Haitian people, a form of liberation that brought immense joy and an essential coping mechanism.
At the same time, the influence of France, particularly Toulouse, on Moonlight’s music is glaring and became the focal point of our chat. She spoke of fusion and collaboration, of connections made and artistic visions realised. ‘France has had a significant impact on my music especially in terms of the fusion I wanted to create,’ Moonlight recounted. ‘France gave me the opportunity to collaborate with people who shared my vision and helped bring my fusion music to life. This journey has been invaluable to me, as it allowed me to connect with individuals who enabled me to pursue my artistic goals.’ Expressing gratitude, Moonlight recognised the platform and network that France provided, enabling her music and ideas to thrive.
As a final note, Moonlight offered her goodbye, a simple yet profound expression of gratitude, sending out love and wishes for inner peace to all who would listen. ‘Thank you very much for the interview. It was a pleasure sharing about my work. Sending love and don’t forget to cultivate inner peace as it is essential.’