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Former New York All Stars drummer Shedly Abraham has become one of the most respected figures in the Haitian Music Industry. Known for his technical precision, versatility, and creativity, he earned his place as one of the most sought-after drummers in Konpa. After the breakup of New York All Stars, Shedly went on to build a solo career, launching his acclaimed Djazz La series. From Volume 1 through 4, the albums have received rave reviews and featured some of the biggest names in the business. Now, with Volume 5 on the horizon, Shedly invited Cheyna into his Brooklyn studio to talk about the upcoming project, the state of Konpa, and his legacy as one of the greats.
Cheyna: We’re in the studio with Shedly Abraham, also known as Djazz La. We’re here to get to know the artist, ask him a few questions about his upcoming album, and hear his perspective on the industry and the music. As fans know, he’s working on his fifth solo project, Djazz La Volume 5.
Shedly: Bon bagay.
Cheyna: Shedly?
Shedly: (teasing) Bon, you know my Creole is much better than my English. Ayisyen nòmal. Well, the next project is going to be called Volume 5. The previous ones, of course, were Volumes 1 through 4. Each had its own place. The last one was a big success with the hit song Fanm Dous, sung by Alan Cavé, and it also featured Arly Larivière, to name a couple. The upcoming project will include Pouchon from Djakout Mizik, the whole T-Vice crew, Carlo of Carimi, T-Nes Alvin, Stanley Toussaint, and both new and established artists. The album is set to be released around Thanksgiving weekend.
Cheyna: Why the long wait? Aren’t the vocals already laid?
Shedly: I’m not the type of person to put something out unless I’m completely satisfied with the results. I’m always trying to top the last project, and I didn’t feel this one was ready. It was originally set to be released in July, but because of the hectic schedules of the artists, with some traveling and others working on their own projects, it was delayed.
Cheyna: Do you really think you can top Fanm Dous?
Shedly: Since I made Fanm Dous, I think I can make yon fanm ki pi dous. Fanm sa te dous wi, men mwen ka fè yon fanm pi dous ke sa.
Cheyna: Is Alan Cavé coming back for Volume 5?
Shedly: Alan is a good friend of mine, but right now he’s focused on his solo project. He’s pressed for time and always has serious projects on the table. Asking him to be part of this one might create confusion, and I don’t want him stretched across too many projects. He needs to focus on his own.
Cheyna: Who else have you worked with outside of your own projects?
Shedly: I’ve been working non-stop on many projects in the industry. I played drums on Tantan’s album Pam Pam Pam, U-Five, 718 Boyz, and quite a few gospel projects. Alan Cavé also came by the studio to have me add drums to Yereswa. I also recorded about eight or nine songs for Nu-Look on their upcoming album.
Cheyna: So Nu-Look’s album is coming out soon?
Shedly: It should be nearly done. I worked on it about a month ago, so by now they’re probably adding the finishing touches.
Cheyna: Shedly, how did you discover your musical talent?
Shedly: I think I was born with it. I grew up in a musical family. My father, Raphael Abraham, played drums for Tropicana, and my late uncle, Laventure Abraham, played trumpet alongside him. Another uncle, based in Paris, also plays trumpet. Music was always around me. I can’t really tell you how long I’ve been playing, but professionally, I started around 1992. I was a teenager in Cap-Haïtien playing with friends like Arly, Delly, Jean Max Valcourt, and Perrin. By 1994, we were traveling and getting deeper into the business. People started taking notice, and that’s how I earned recognition.
Cheyna: I know you were part of the group New York All Stars. You put out a good album, but then rumors started to circulate about internal issues, and suddenly it was over. What happened?
Shedly: I don’t think internal issues were the problem. NYAS was a great band made up of friends like Yves Abel and Cesaire, who later worked on my projects. We were friends before we formed the group. When artists like Tanya St. Val, Eric Virgal, and the late Edith Lefel (may she rest in peace) came to town, we were the musicians hired to play for them. That’s how the idea to form NYAS came about. We released an album with a song called Ti Bato. Djakout Mizik started playing it at their balls, and people thought it was their song because NYAS didn’t perform it live. The truth is, every member had other commitments. You can’t rely on one paycheck a week in this business, so everyone had outside responsibilities. That might have contributed to the band not lasting.
Cheyna: But many critics said the problem was that the band had too many superstars who couldn’t work together.
Shedly: Not really. I understand everyone had their own name and responsibilities. The real reason was that, musically, NYAS wasn’t considered commercial enough. The public wanted something else at the time. It wasn’t about egos, it was about perception.
Cheyna: So you don’t think egos played a part?
Shedly: People always say too many superstars can’t be in one band, but I can’t play with musicians who aren’t good. I want quality. Some people claim to be musicians, but when you hand them a guitar, they can’t play. Yet they’re the first to badmouth you and say you’re not commercial enough. I don’t understand that.
Cheyna: There’s a rumor that NYAS is back in the studio trying to regroup. Any truth to that?
Shedly: No, that’s not true. We did have a few songs left unfinished, but there are no current plans for a reunion. That’s not to say never, because look at Skah Shah, but for now there’s nothing in the works. At the moment, only Kino’s Move Move is getting my services.
Cheyna: Where do you see Konpa in the next few years? Has it changed for better or worse in the last decade?
Shedly: I’ll be real with you. The music I hear nowadays is dezòd net. Anybody can walk into a studio and call himself a musician. All he needs is four guitar strings and a little “zobobo zop” rhythm, and suddenly he has a hit album. It wasn’t like that before. I grew up listening to quality bands like Frères Déjean, Magnum Band, and Tropicana. The quality has gone down, not only in Konpa but also in the American industry. Too much of today’s music is about dancing, not substance.
Cheyna: What do you think is behind the lack of female artists in the industry?
Shedly: The problem starts when people mix business with pleasure. You can’t have both. Some women feel more comfortable working with certain men, and that can lead to complications. I always say never mix business with pleasure. If you have to make a choice, pick one or the other. That said, I’ve worked with women who weren’t well known and still found success with them. Roudza, who was featured on Djazz La Volume 4, will be back for Volume 5. We’re also working on her solo project.
Cheyna: What are your thoughts on the bootleg issue?
Shedly: It’s crippling an industry that’s already limping. Fans should support the artists by buying original albums with full booklets, not cheap one-page bootlegs.
Cheyna: What role does music play in your life?
Shedly: Music is my first love. It’s always there for me. I can listen to a melody without lyrics, and it can bring me to tears. Music makes me both happy and sad.
Cheyna: You’re a sensitive guy.
Shedly: (blushing) Yes, I am.
Cheyna: Are you that passionate about songs that they move you to tears?
Shedly: Yes, it’s the melody, especially.
Cheyna: What gets you out of bed every morning?
Shedly: My family. I love my parents, my daughter, and my entire family. I give thanks to God for them every day.
Cheyna: What legacy would you like to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered?
Shedly: I’d like to be remembered as one of the best drummers and as the first artist to successfully remix American hit songs into Konpa hits.
Cheyna: Any final words for your fans?
Shedly: When the album comes out, please continue to show your support. Stay away from drugs, you don’t need that, and always support your Haitian artists.
Closing Note
Shedly Abraham has proven that his career is about more than just keeping the rhythm. With a deep respect for quality, a passion for collaboration, and a vision for the future of Konpa, he continues to push boundaries while honoring tradition. As he prepares to release Djazz La Volume 5, fans can expect the same blend of precision, creativity, and star power that have made his past projects unforgettable. For Shedly, the beat never stops, and neither does his dedication to the music.
