Jean Dubreus was born in Haiti in a nice country town called Port De Paix. He came to the US in 2000 to chase the American Dream. While singing in the local church choir, Jean was quickly reminded of his unique voice and amazing talent by his peers. Always thirsty for knowledge, he started to listen to secular music with friends and quickly developed a love for R&B and HipHop music. 1 In Music met with the artist.
1inmusic: What is unique about you and your music?
Jean Dubreus (J.D.): … I am a very passionate person and I believe in the cohesion of the old ways and embracing some of the new. My music is my escape from all the odds and it causes me to bellow out Beyonderful tunes.
1inMusic: What shaped your music and who supports you?
J.D.: …I’ve always loved music and like many artists, I started singing in my local church. It was my sister who heard me singing in the shower and told me that I sounded pretty good. She has an awesome voice so that was a huge compliment coming from her. I have the support of my family and friends.
1inmusic: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
J.D.: …After singing with my mother and sisters with our own group, I loved how it made me feel “at home” and the way the crowd responded. I knew it was something I could do for rest of my life.
1inmusic: What type of music do you listen to?
J.D.: …I listen to all kinds of music from Gospel to Country, via Reggae and of course R&B.
1inmusic: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
J.D.: … Auto-tuning has taken over the industry giving instant success to many who are not as
talented, therefore overlooking and delaying the talent of those who can truly appreciate the art of singing
without auto-tune. These are the undervalued music artists.
1inmusic: What ignites your (song) writing flow?
J.D.: … My culture has a lot to do with my writing flow. I am a Haitian immigrant and I’ve seen the
struggles of my people back home. I had a new and different set of struggles when I had to learn English and
the American way of life. I always keep a part of Haiti inside of me and when I am writing I have Haiti in my
heart.
1inmusic: How do you prepare for your performances?
J.D.: …I normally take a few minutes to gather my thoughts and take deep breaths. I try not to engage in too
many conversations. I say a quick prayer and then I take the stage.
1inmusic: What do you do when you don’t do music and that you are passionate about?
J.D.: … I enjoy doing graphic design. It’s time consuming and it’s another method for me to ease my mind
and be creative. I also encourage people to follow their dreams and am a listening ear to my close friends.
1inmusic: Success to you is…
J.D.: …Success to me is being able to do what you were created to do on a regular basis. Success is being
able to go to my home country and give back as an artist and a fellow Haitian.
1inmusic: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who
starts out?
J.D.: … I would advise anyone to not be desperate and be prepared to be patient. Have thick skin, stay
focused, and appreciate those who truly love you as a person and not just your talent.
1inmusic: Any upcoming projects?
J.D.: …Definitely! Working on new videos. I am in the process of planning some shows in Haiti late
Summer. I am about to release another EP very soon and last but not least I am super excited about using my
music to help raise money to build clean water fountains in my home town.
1inmusic: Where do we find you music / music project?
J.D.: You can find “Memwa Lakay” from Mr. Port de Paix on iTunes and Amazon. The Soundcloud is Mr.PortdePaix and the Facebook Mr.PortdePaix. My YouTube channel is at Mr. Port De Paix and definitely check out my new video “No More”.
