Jean-Paul “Paulo” Albin died this Tuesday morning, at the hospital where he had been hospitalized for two weeks.
Iconic singer of La Perfecta groupa group he joined in 1970, with many twists and turns, Paulo Albin was a staple of the West Indian scene.
He also enjoyed a successful career in teaching and a career in politics.
TO LISTEN Anthology of tributes, at the microphone of Jessica Dantin-Haustant
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Jean-Pierre Daniel, manager: “the simplest man”
He played his last scene at Kaz'Art, in Guadeloupe, on October 4. Paulo was already unwell. He arrived, he told me Jean-Pierre, “I’m going to blow up Kaz’Art”. I had chills, tears, because I felt that Paulo was transmitting things in public. Since he started playing music at the age of 2, Paulo has always been the simpler man, the one who participated with the audience. He never hesitated to receive someone or discuss with the person. He had his hand on his heart.”
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Dédé St-Prix, artist: “he saved a Perfecta singer from drowning”
Paulo is a very great singer who pronounces well. He has a voice, I'm not going to say unique, but in any case, one that we recognize. I have an anecdote, he saved a Perfecta singer from drowning. He did very wonderful things, he left us a heritage, kindness… He was a sportsman, it’s a nice slap in the face but that’s life”
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Stéphane Ravor, singer: “our Johnny Hallyday from Martinique”
Without Paulo Albin's voice, La Perfecta won't really be the same thing, a bit like Jacob for Kassav'. But the group is there but it’s very hard. We lost a monument, our Martinican Johnny Hallyday
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Serge Letchimy, president of the executive council of the CTM: “a monument of Martinican music”
It is with immense sadness that we say goodbye to Paulo Albin, this monument of Martinique music, this pillar of La Perfecta, this singer with the warm and inimitable voice who marked the soul of an entire island. Paulo was more than an artist, he was a symbol, a storyteller, a unifier. His melodies, imbued with emotion and sincerity, have rocked our lives, enlivened our celebrations, and carried the colors of Martinique high. He had this rare gift of transforming each note into a declaration of love to his culture and his people. With him, a page in our musical history turns, but his legacy will never disappear. His songs will continue to resonate in our hearts and souls, as a vibrant reminder of who we are: a proud, resilient people deeply attached to their roots.
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Ary Chalus, president of the Guadeloupe Region: “one of the most beautiful voices in the Caribbean”
The regional executive salutes the memory of one of the most beautiful voices in the Caribbean, the interpreter of multiple successful hits including La Divinité, Reste avec moi, de la Perfecta and the song Vagabon, from his first album. He is a true figure of Martinican and West Indian music with enormous longevity who has passed away. The singer will also have inspired and been able to transmit his passion to younger generations of singers
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Guy Losbar, president of the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe: “Author, singer of the legendary group La Perfecta”
Author, singer of the legendary group La Perfecta, Paulo Albin, considered one of the most beautiful voices in the West Indian repertoire, has largely contributed to the success of the Martinican group since the 1970s. His name remains linked to hits such as La Divinity or All bagay adorned.
√ A special program is dedicated to Paulo Albin, this Tuesday evening, on RCI Martinique, with Rodrigue: “Les nuits Caribéennes”, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
