Vox Sambou

Bio

Born in the town of Limbé in Northern Haiti, Vox Sambou has been writing and performing since the age of 14. Montreal, Canada is now his home. A founding member of the international crew Nomadic Massive, he also asserts his individualism within this collective which facilitates his desire to bring light to the injustices taking place worldwide and particularly in Haiti. Furthermore, he does so using Haiti's most widely spoken language, creole. Vox hopes to bring back a sense of pride to his people by shedding light on their rich and unique cultural heritage. He feels, however, that although it is important to identify the issues surrounding the problem, it is equally urgent to find concrete solutions. He exercises this credo everyday as director of a youth community center in the borough of Côte-des-Neiges.

Having completed his first solo album and released three videos, performing as a solo artist and with Nomadic Massive has kept him busy both locally and abroad. Notably, Vox Sambou took part in the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival International Nuits d'Afrique, Festival du Monde Arabe, Festival Urbain de Trois-Rivières, the Indie Unlimited Festival, The 2nd Annual Cuban Hip-Hop Symposium, Blackitude Vozes Negras da Bahia, Brazil, just to name a few. His upcoming projects include the release of the 2nd Nomadic Massive Album, his second solo album, and another trip to Brazil with Nomadic Massive to continue his mission of international collaboration.

Interview

What music are you listening to / art are you checking out these days?

Los Van Van de Cuba.

Why should people, especially youth, vote?

People should vote to exercise their right has citizen. Youth should vote in order to improve themselves, to better their community. It is the perfect way for everyone to be heard.

For you, is there a connection between art and democracy? What is it?

Art and democracy bring  dialogue. This connection opens discussions that allow people to ask questions about their environment and themselves which could bring solutions to common problems.

Why do you care about community when it is so easy not to?

I always care about community because I'm a part of it, I care about myself, my co-citizens.

What do you look for in a politician? What do you expect from your MP?

I look for honesty and responsibility in a politician. I expect my MP to be present and participate actively in the community not just to look for opportunities to make speeches but to show the youth and the citizens that he or she is involved.To be a leader, a good example.