Wesli wins a second Félix for "Makaya"

Wesley Louissaint, better known by his stage name Wesli, received the award for album of the year – Global Music at the first ADISQ 2026 gala on Wednesday, November 4. The Montreal musician of Haitian origin was honored for his album "Makaya," released in November 2025.

"Makaya" is an ambitious work of 24 tracks that revisits the musical and spiritual roots of Haiti. Wesley Louissaint, who was born in Port-au-Prince, explores rhythms such as rara and the sounds of vodou on the album, along with afrobeat, reggae and electronic arrangements.

The album brings together a number of Haitian and international artists, including AfrotroniX, BIC Tizon Dife, Meryem Saci, Tamara Suffren and Sika Valmé. The title "Makaya" refers to a mountain range in southern Haiti and symbolizes the resistance of the first maroons in their fight for freedom.

In accepting the award, Wesli stressed that the honor recognizes not only his artistic career but also the significant contribution of the Haitian community to Quebec culture. It is an important recognition in a society where artists from immigrant backgrounds take an active part in creation and in cultural diversity.

This second Félix adds to a career already marked by several distinctions, including a JUNO Award in 2019 for "Rapadou Kreyòl," an earlier Félix and recognition from the Académie Charles-Cros.

artistic contributions

Wesli also pointed out that his album is not only a tribute to Haitian memory but also an effort to bring that heritage into conversation with today's sounds. In this way, he intends to help keep Haiti's musical heritage alive and dynamic.