Composers

Born in Port-au-Prince on June 3, 1934, Ansy Dérose began his singing career at a young age under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth Mahy, a teacher of French vocal technique. After excelling in the interpretation of classical European melodies, he continued his musical studies in Germany successfully, winning competitions and introducing Haitian music throughout Europe.

Ansy Dérose is both a poet, composer, performer, and arranger. Returning to Haiti in 1964, he consolidated his reputation as a performer and composer, recording several successful albums. His major entry onto the international stage was at the "First World Festival of Song" held in Mexico in November 1970, featuring the biggest names in European and South American music, conductors, and arrangers such as Paul Mauriat, Franck Pourcel, Pochio Perez. Among the 70 represented countries, his song "Maria," one of his earliest compositions arranged by Pochio Perez, won the third trophy. This earned him a column on the front page of the official newspaper "Olimpo" of Mexico where it read: "...With Ansy Dérose from Haiti, the chain of European triumphers is broken."

In 1972, he released his first album "Ansy, his Music and his Poetry" and in 1974 "Quo Vadis Terra," both of which enjoyed boundless success. His collaboration with his wife, Yole Ledan Dérose, added an extra dimension to his career, their duo becoming legendary in the Haitian music scene. His LP "Nou vle," released in 1987 before the first presidential elections, is perhaps the most vibrant expression of the Haitian soul.

Ansy Dérose was also active in the field of education, leading the J.B. Damier Vocational School and founding the workshop-school bearing his name. Alongside his musical career, he worked for the recognition of copyright in Haiti, co-founding the National Association of Authors, Composers, and Performers of Music (ANACIM).

His musical career peaked with albums like "Anakaona" and "Haïti Mélodie d'Amour," where his voice and compositions touched the hearts of listeners. He bid farewell to the stage in 1996 but left a lasting legacy in Haitian music. His passing on January 17, 1998, marked the end of a prolific career and the culmination of hard work.