Overview:
Anna Pierre, the Haitian singer behind the konpa traditional “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” has died, in keeping with Le Floridien. Past music, Pierre based healthcare establishments serving Haitian immigrants and was broadly remembered because the “singing nurse.”
Haitian singer Anna Pierre, finest identified for her late-Nineteen Eighties konpa hit “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” died Tuesday at a hospital in Plantation, Florida. She was 68.
Her household introduced her on Pierre’s private Fb web page by a statement from the Pierre household, who requested for grace, persistence, and respect for his or her privateness throughout this time of mourning. The message paid tribute to her kindness and creative legacy, whereas expressing appreciation for the messages of assist, prayers, and sort phrases obtained.
“We all know how deeply she was liked by supporters, pals, and household, each close to and much,” the notice reads.
“A gifted artist, a devoted nurse, and a real pillar of her neighborhood,” the message continues. “Her music carried tales and soul, her arms healed, and her love prolonged far past our household.”
Pierre cemented her place within the Haitian Music Trade (HMI) and konpa historical past with the syncopated, playful ballad about lovemaking. Later, after migrating to america, she turned a outstanding voice on the neighborhood healthcare advocacy scene.
Born in Haiti and raised in Cap-Haïtien, Pierre was the third of 9 kids. She migrated to america in 1981, settling in South Florida. Alongside music, she pursued a profession in healthcare, coaching as a nurse and turning into a registered nurse in 1987. She later studied well being administration and public well being, in keeping with public information.
“She was about to storm the business as a pioneer.”
Burt Charles
In 1989, she launched her hit, “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” which stood out for its amorous message from a assured feminine voice in on a regular basis language. The tune turned broadly fashionable in Haiti and throughout the diaspora, and has remained acquainted to audiences many years later. Followers and music historians have usually cited it as one of many uncommon solo hits by a lady in a male-dominated konpa business on the time.
Pierre launched a number of albums that explored totally different musical types whereas remaining grounded in her Haitian roots. Whereas “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m” introduced her widespread recognition, she additionally recorded different fashionable songs, together with “Pa Vin Rete Kè-m,” “Pa Fè m Sa Konsa,” and “Papa m Se Wa.” Her work left a mark and additional cemented her place in Haitian music.
Past the stage, Pierre based the Anna Pierre Well being Schooling Heart (APHEC Worldwide) in 1990 to deal with well being schooling and entry to take care of Haitian immigrants. In 2003, she opened The Individuals’s Clinic, a main care middle she funded herself to satisfy pressing healthcare wants locally.
Pierre additionally sought to increase her public service by civic engagement, operating within the 2013 municipal elections in North Miami. Although her bid was unsuccessful, the marketing campaign mirrored her continued dedication to neighborhood management past music.
In The Haitian Instances’ “Konpa Turns 70” collection, Pierre is described as a skilled nurse who challenged expectations by mixing wellness and music. Usually known as the “singing nurse,” she constructed a profession that linked cultural expression with public service, even after early setbacks within the music business.
Information of her passing prompted widespread tributes throughout the Haitian neighborhood and amongst her worldwide followers. A number of public figures, together with former State Senator Daphney Campbell, expressed their deep sorrow. In her view, the world had misplaced a legend and a nurse whose life was dedicated to therapeutic, inspiring and loving others.
“As her kindred spirit, standing earlier than you and the world, I’m overwhelmed with grief,” Campbell wrote on her Facebook page.
“The phrases really feel insufficient at this second. She was a uncommon soul—somebody who carried each energy and gentleness,” she stated. “Her music spoke reality, her service expressed love, and her life mirrored function.”
On Pierre’s Fb web page, public figures, longtime pals and collaborators additionally shared private tributes.
Burt Charles, former report producer, stated: “My condolences to you and your loved ones. Could the Creator bless you with concord, solace, peace and love. Within the early 90s, I had the pleasure of working with Paula’s Productions through the ultimate section of Anna’s first and solely recording, “Suk Sou Bonbon.”
The discharge was accomplished at my retailer, Do Re Mi Information & Promotions, which was situated on the Caribbean Market in Little Haiti. She and her 4 “Bonbonets” gave a exceptional efficiency on that day. Instantly, I knew that she was about to storm the business as a pioneer. Relaxation in Peace.”
Astra Remy-Calixte, a former neighbor from Cap-Haïtien, wrote in with pleasant reminiscences.
“As a child on the time, I used to watch her, at all times smiling, saying jokes to her friends, making others chuckle… additionally, serving to her dad and mom to instill respect and self-discipline amongst her youthful siblings… then later resuming the identical patterns in several dimensions in Miami, beginning within the Nineties….. Eager to make the world the place she lived a a lot better place by healthcare and leisure… At all times striving in direction of perfection along with her Imaginative and prescient.”