Boulpik

Boulpik is a Haitian acoustic music group led by Franckel Sifranc. Formed in 2004 in Port-au-Prince, the group continues the Haitian troubadour tradition through a style rooted in rural acoustic ensembles known as *ti djaz*. These small bands typically perform with instruments such as six-string guitars referred to as Matamò (named in homage to the influence of the Cuban Trio Matamoros), trè (a three-string guitar of Cuban origin), banjos, maniboula (a plucked instrument similar to the Cuban marímbula), and various forms of percussion including drums, maracas, and kaskayèt (claves). Franckel Sifranc was born in Dame-Marie, a coastal village in the remote La Grand Anse region of western Haiti. Growing up in a family of farm workers, he was exposed early on to local music traditions but did not initially intend to pursue music professionally. Like many Haitians from rural areas, he migrated to Port-au-Prince in the late 1970s in search of work and a better life. At the age of 14, he joined his older brother in the city and found employment as a handyman. During this time, he began to engage with the local music scene and joined the band Ti Okap, where he learned to sing and play percussion. In 1980, Sifranc founded his own group, Frère Desjeunes, which he led for over two decades. The band's activities were often disrupted by Haiti’s recurring political and social instability. In 2004, seeking a fresh start and a more committed group of musicians, he reformed the ensemble under the new name Boulpik, recruiting five younger artists. With over three decades of experience, Sifranc is considered one of the senior figures in Port-au-Prince’s troubadour community. He has stated that many musicians in the city have either worked with him or been part of his earlier bands. Boulpik’s music addresses themes relevant to Haitian life, particularly the pursuit of livelihood and personal dignity amid adversity. Unlike many Haitian artists who have emigrated, the members of Boulpik have remained in Haiti and continue to rely solely on their music as a source of income. Their work reflects a commitment to perseverance and cultural continuity. One of their songs, Rele, illustrates this spirit with lyrics that translate to: We have a gift to cultivate. It is the Good Lord who made us troubadours. We’ll sing of love, we’ll sing of joy, we’ll sing of life. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.