Wyclef Jean Haiti’s new `Roving Ambassador’

Wyclef Jean was handed his diplomatic passport last night by his uncle, Raymond Joseph, Haiti’s ambassador to the United States. The honor was handed to him at SOBs in New York one day after the hip-hop star celebrated his 35th birthday. The self proclaimed number one Haitian received the title “Roving Ambassador” by Haiti president Rene Preval who was unable to attend the ceremony however many people came to show their support to the Grammy award winner, song writer, producer and founder of Yele Haiti… an organization that uses music, sports and the media to reinforce projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development. Those in attendance included Sony Music, countless media personality, Jean family members, Miami City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, artist from his record label, one Russell Simons, Richard Cave, and Philip Lavlanet.

Born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti the son of a minister migrated to the United States at the age of 9. Wyclef told a story of how hip hop changed his life and thanked the genre that provided him with the voice to represent his country at a time when many Haitian children were ashamed to say they were Haitian. He spoke of the time where he told the Grammys he would not go on stage to perform until he was handed his Haitian flag. With his new title to represent Haiti in the best light, Jean promised not to disappoint the people.

During the ceremony Jean introduced Trilogy International Marketing LLC (“TIM”) President and CEO Brad Horwitz the provider of Voilà wireless services in Haiti. Mr. Horwitz talked of the partnership with Jean to help in bettering the educational system in Haiti by providing many scholarships to kids in Haiti through the Yele Haiti foundation. Mr. Horwitz also handed Jean a book bag… a symbolic gesture to show company will also provide to the kids of the foundation for school.

After the ceremony the party begins. Spectators got a chance to listen to Jean’s upcoming album due out for December 4th 2007. Later on, the line out side to get in went around the corner of the club. Over 1,000 people were lined up trying to get in to see performances by new upcoming artists such as Haitian Fresh, Jean sister, Melky and many more. The show ended with the man of the night taking the stage to perform song from his the new album.

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