Haitian poet, singer and song-writer Roosevelt Saillant, better known as “B.I.C.” for “Brain. Intelligence. Creativity,” is one of the best known and most creative and prolific artists in Haiti. He has been writing and singing songs for the past 20 years. B.I.C.’s songs, now taught at Haitian universities, reveal a unique philosophy of development and justice. His trenchant criticism about, and positive messages for, Haitian society are expressed in mordant, yet beautiful, lyrics in his native Haitian Creole, replete with word play and rhyme crafting. His songs – a mix of hip hop, rap, folk and traditional Haitian rhythms – express a profound love for his native Haiti, along with an active engagement for the defense of human rights. He is visiting MIT to develop digital poetry in Kreyòl with Michel DeGraff and Nick Montfort, and he will present a concert that will include some discussion, and will be free and open to the public.
[Sample some of B.I.C.’s music at https://g.co/kgs/wDXfU6]
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