Bel and Quinn set to light up Aylmer

Tashi Farmilo

Bel and Quinn, the Haitian-Canadian sister duo of Bélinda and Christina Bélice, are making a powerful impact on Quebec’s music scene with their vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and Haitian rhythms. Their upcoming show, Dompter les cendres, on April 10, at the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer, Cabaret La Basoche, 120 Rue Principale in Aylmer, promises an intimate and electrifying performance that highlights their unique sound and artistry.

With Quinn’s signature electric guitar and the duo’s seamless vocal harmonies, their music is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Singing in French, Creole, and English, Bel and Quinn explore themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and healing, reflecting their own lived experiences. Their 2023 debut album, Donte sann yo, earned a nomination for Global Music Album of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards, solidifying their place in Canada’s musical landscape.

Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Haiti, Bel and Quinn draw inspiration from legendary orchestras like Septentrional and Ibo Combo while blending the jazz and soul influences of Nina Simone and Sade. They define their sound as "jazz konpa," a fusion that is both rhythmically compelling and emotionally evocative.

Mental health awareness is at the core of their music. "It is important for us to talk about mental health. We have had our battles with depression and anxiety disorders. Music has been a wonderful vehicle to embark on a path to healing," they shared. This commitment to emotional well-being is not just reflected in their lyrics but also in the atmosphere they create during their performances, offering their audiences both comfort and empowerment.

Bel and Quinn are also dedicated to uplifting female musicians. "We are committed to promoting the talent of female artists, which is why we will be joined on stage by our bassist, Stéphanie Jobin," they said. This dedication to representation is an integral part of their identity as artists and advocates.

Their growing recognition has led to performances at major festivals, including Montreal’s Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, Québec Jazz en Juin, and Haïti en Folie. They have played at notable venues such as Club Balattou and Salle Pauline-Julien. In 2021, they were featured on Radio-Canada’s Plus on est de fous, plus on lit and later performed on the Télé-Québec program Belle et Bum.

Despite their success, their journey has not been without obstacles. Quinn, who studied jazz guitar in Montreal, faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. "Quinn overcame moments of humiliation and sexism that deeply affected her during her jazz guitar studies. This field is still largely male-dominated, but we believe in the importance of highlighting women's talent," they emphasized. Their experiences have strengthened their advocacy for women in music, and they exclusively feature female musicians in their performances. Their dedication has earned them grants from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) and the Canada Council for the Arts.

With a steadily growing fan base and widespread critical acclaim, Bel and Quinn continue to create music that uplifts and inspires. Their upcoming performance in Aylmer is set to be a powerful celebration of their artistry, cultural heritage, and commitment to making music that resonates with the heart and soul.