Clinton Benoit (born Clinton Benoit-Jean on July 20, 1973) is a Haitian musician and singer-songwriter.[1] Notable associated acts include Tabou Combo and Magnum Band, which are Haitian kompa musical groups based in the United States.

Clinton Benoit
Birth nameClinton Benoit-Jean
Born (1973-07-20) July 20, 1973 (age 51)
Jacmel, Haiti
GenresCompas, alternative
Occupation(s)Musician and singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Bass, piano
LabelsExit Level Records
Formerly ofDola Mizik

Early life and education

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Benoit was born in Jacmel, Haiti. He graduated with a master's degree in Social work and Criminal Justice from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also graduated from two law enforcement agencies in the United States. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in behavioral health.

Career

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After a short musical career in Haiti, Benoit moved to the United States in 2000. He has performed with many of the top Haitian bands in the United States, such as Tabou Combo, Magnum Band, Mizik-Mizik, Phantom's, D'Zine, Dola-Mizik, Funky Konpa, and Kreyol Alternative.[2] He has also created the first Haitian live salsa.[3]

While in graduate school, Benoit released the album Funky Konpa in 2010.[4][5][6] In 2014, Benoit started playing with Dola Mizik and became their lead singer. In 2017, Yves Joseph, a notable singer, composer, and manager of Tabou Combo, contacted Benoit to tour with Tabou Combo.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Times, The Haitian (May 5, 2012). "Clinton Gets Funky". The Haitian Times.
  2. ^ "Funky Konpa « Di'm sa'w wè »". Le Nouvelliste.
  3. ^ "TICKET : Clinton Benoit à Do-La Mizik". Le Nouvelliste.
  4. ^ "Des artistes et d'autres personnalités haïtiennes publient une vidéo de sensibilisation au Covid-19". Le Nouvelliste.
  5. ^ "Clinton Benoit". Spotify.
  6. ^ "Clinton Benoit". Apple Music.
  7. ^ Nodwes, Rezo (May 9, 2017). "Clinton Benoit, Ti-Claude Marcelin et Shedly Abraham rendent hommage au groupe Zeklè!".