The upcoming new single from experimental Afro Caribbean female trio Nite Bjuti, featuring acclaimed Grammy-winning musician Val Jeanty. Entitled ”Illustrious Negro Dead”, the powerful song "reclaims this impassioned plea that dignity and legacy of Black artists not die in 'conspicuous forgetfulness' as Black people of all nations continue to face state sanctioned racial violence and hegemonic occupation in Haiti and throughout the Diaspora," confides lead singer Candice Hoyes. Drawing upon the words of cultural pioneer Zora Neale Hurston in her unrequited letter to W.E.B DuBois, the trio found inspiration. Hoyes further foretells, “Although we improvised these words in the studio on Sept 21, they resound this week. Art is meant to break the cycles of oppression and offer new ways of being." 

Featuring intoxicating basslines, eccelctic mystical landscapes, and the significant spoken word prose ”Illustrious Negro Dead”, the song is a poignant and profound musical masterpiece. The track is the second single from their highly-anticipated debut album set for release April 14, 2023.

Nite Bjuti crafts and produces an intentional and freshly intoxicating jazz meets electronica sonic experience, complete with hypnotic vocals, Haitian inspired drums, and soul penetrating basslines. Together, Nite Bjuti has performed at the nationally recognized 'Jazz at Lincoln Center' and has received acclaim from NPR, Earmilk, Jazz Times amongst many others. Thanks for your consideration.

Nite Bjuti is Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty and Mimi Jones, an evocative improvised trio of Afro Caribbean artists using electronics, vocalism, bass, Haitian drum rhythms, sampling and spoken word to cultivate their narrative journey. They are UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant recipients for their 2022 mixed media installation commissioned by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and 2020 recipients of the NYC Women's Fund in Jazz Music to fully fund their forthcoming debut album.  

As inspiration, Nite Bjuti draws from a centuries old Haitian folklore called "Night Beauty,” about a girl whose bones begin to sing in her afterlife, her spirit seeking justice. Nite Bjuti has recently played Nublu Jazz Fest, NYC Winter JazzFest, WBGO live broadcast performance, The Schomburg Center, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Internationally, they envision their music from concerts at electronic and jazz music venues, museums, cinema and dance and visual art installations. Nite Bjuti plays to rediscover the buried Diasporic beauty in the world, transcendent across generations. Intentionally, they improvise to build layers of intimate community both inside the band and with its audiences. Nite Bjuti debuted at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of celebrating 2018 International Women’s Day.

Available here