Henri Debs

Born in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, Henri Debs became a leading figure on the Caribbean island. Although he came from a family of Lebanese origin, in his youth he learned a number of instruments, including the pipe, flute, saxophone and guitar. Faced with his family's lack of a solid income, from the age of 14 he took on several jobs, from showman to restaurateur. But it was his entry into the music industry, when he became a record dealer, that determined his artistic path. Through contact with a wide range of aesthetics, Debs developed his ear and his own style. He decided to go into production and set up a recording studio in the back of his store. Here, Henri Debs began composing, switching between biguine and cha-cha-cha, and producing local bands and artists. Through his label, the musician, producer, instrumentalist and singer released his first album with Guy Alcindor and Paul Blamar, Ban Moin On Ti Bo in 1969, whose eponymous title became a biguine classic. Following the economic success of his business, he moved to Paris, where Disques Debs grew, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in West Indian music. A true expert in new musical trends, his company represents some of Guadeloupe's major bands: Les Aiglons, Francky Vincent, Zouk Machine... Thanks to his vision and the success of his ventures, Henri Debs is spreading the word internationally and playing a key role in Guadeloupe's musical landscape. In France, he is a major figure and representative of these styles. Above all, he produced numerous personal albums and cult tracks, such as "Nou Ka Pati En Bodé " with Max Severin in 1988 and Mister Henri (L'Afrique) in 1993. Awarded the Prix International Arc d'Europe in 2010, Henri Debs passed away in Guadeloupe on August 19, 2013, leaving behind him an immense heritage and a major role in promoting West Indian cultures.

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