Dédé Saint-Prix

André Saint-Prix known as Dédé Saint-Prix was born in Le François on February 10th, 1953. Raised by his grandparents, alongside his older brother Maurille, it evolved very early in the popular tradition of the island. From the age of 6, he faced his angry mother to live his passion, "Chouval bwa", that is to say, the music that accompanies the rides of traditional wooden horses operated thanks to men's force.

Barely a teenager, he participated in small groups in his hometown as "The Trouvères" and "Juniors". Member of the Municipal Choir of François, he recorded his first album at 15 years old. "Dede" exercised the profession of teacher for eleven years before resigning from Education in 1991 to devote himself to music. Ares has played in various groups, including La Selecta and Malavoi. Dede creates "Pakatak". Then the dancers joined musical training with Sonia Marc called "The Sosso".

Despite the success, the group dissolves Pakatak: choosing his own musicians, he then founded the group "Avan-Van" in 1982. The metropolis, Africa, the United States, and other territories then discover the swaying rhythms of Chouval bwa. In 1983, he received in Paris the Maracas d'Or, for the phenomenal success of the "Piblisité" album.

After the grand tour of the French radio Europe 1 Podium, Dede moved to Paris. Two years later, he will perform the famous tour of the Grand Méchant Zouk, accompanied by many figures of Caribbean music. 1990 will mark another step in Dédé Saint-Prix's career with his first musical educational activities. He conducts master classes in Afro-Caribbean percussion for the Festival Musiques Métisses in Angoulême, Falun Folkmusic Festival in Sweden, or the Simone Signoret center of Bordeaux.

At the same time, he will participate in the adventure of the Eurovision Song participating with Serge Gainsbourg and Georges Augier in developing the title "White and Black Blues", sung by Joëlle Ursule, who finished in second place in this contest. Dédé Saint-Prix appeared in several Parisian demonstrations on the theme of Outremer or at the Music Day (June 21st). He continues to fight for Martinican culture, increasingly influenced by American rhythms.