Singer and novelist Viktor Lazlo pays tribute to musician Jacob Desvarieux, guitarist of the group Kassav ‘with whom she had a collaboration project.–
A month and a week ago, we met, Jacob, in the jazz club of La Créole in Guadeloupe, you were there every evening, lighting up the darkness with your powerful laughter and your applause which makes everyone hope for glory. those who hear them. We hugged each other, since we can no longer kiss, but the heart was there. For so many years our paths crossed, you ran from one continent to another, I crossed the oceans, airports were our homes. But we never stopped to talk to each other. We made this appointment a month and a week ago. I was returning to Martinique, you followed me closely, you told me: we see each other and we talk. Music, collaboration, life, love, because it’s never too late to have plans. I waited. In the enchantment of our islands which give birth to so many talents, I looked at the sea when the sun goes down and said to myself, maybe we will make it this time.
Then there was Elsa. First warning that took the form of a hurricane. You did not come. A week later we learned, worried, on alert, of your hospitalization. Some were not surprised, others, like me, were already panicking. They said that you are a mountain, a rock, despite your health problems, you belong to the living, like the oceans and volcanoes, you would survive, as every time we bet on your death.
But this morning you are no more. This meeting, you will not be there. I know the world that is crying for you and that you will miss. This planet of music that you changed forever with your zouk. Today it hides behind all the music from Africa to America, via Europe or those who copy you no longer even know where their inspiration comes from, so much have you entered into it. story during your lifetime. Few can say the same.
I will blame myself for this missed appointment for a long time. One of us should have stopped earlier.
Jacob, your laughter will resonate in my head for all eternity, because where you are, you still laugh. You laugh and we cry. May your heritage shine until the end of time so we will no longer be orphans because our paths will have crossed yours.
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