Full Name: Nel Ust Wyclef Jean
Date of Birth: October 17, 1969
Place of Birth: Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti
Genres: Hip hop, reggae fusion, R&B, pop rap, neo-soul
Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, philanthropist
Years Active: 1989–present
Early Life and Education
Wyclef Jean was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At the age of nine, he emigrated with his family to Brooklyn, New York City, and later settled in East Orange and Newark, New Jersey. Raised by his mother, who recognized his musical talent, Jean began playing the guitar and was influenced by various musical genres, including reggae and hip hop. He graduated from Newark’s Vailsburg High School and briefly attended Five Towns College in New York before enrolling at Berklee College of Music in 2009 to pursue a diploma in music.
Musical Career and The Fugees
In the late 1980s, Jean formed a group called Tranzlator Crew with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel. They later renamed themselves the Fugees, a play on the word “refugees.” Their second album, The Score (1996), was a critical and commercial success, blending hip hop with elements of jazz, soul, and reggae. The album sold over 18 million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Following the disbandment of the Fugees, Jean launched a successful solo career. His debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival (1997), featured the hit single “Gone Till November.” He continued to release successful albums, including The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book (2000), Masquerade (2002), and Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant (2007). Jean has also collaborated with artists such as Carlos Santana, Shakira, and Bono, contributing to hits like “Maria Maria” and “Hips Don’t Lie”.
Philanthropy and Political Involvement
In 2001, Jean founded the Wyclef Jean Foundation, later known as Yéle Haiti, to provide educational and humanitarian aid to Haiti. The organization raised funds for disaster relief following the 2010 Haitian earthquake and supported various community projects. However, Yéle Haiti faced scrutiny over financial management and was disbanded in 2012 .
In 2010, Jean announced his candidacy for the presidency of Haiti but was deemed ineligible due to residency requirements. Despite this setback, he remains an advocate for Haitian development and global humanitarian efforts.
Awards and Recognition
Jean has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards. His production work on Santana’s Supernatural (1999) was later recognized by the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was awarded the National Order of Honour and Merit by the President of Haiti for his dedication to promoting the country globally.
Personal Life
Jean married Marie Claudinette, a designer for Fusha, in 1994. The couple adopted their daughter, Angelina Claudinette Jean, in 2005 and renewed their vows in 2009.
Legacy and Influence
Wyclef Jean’s innovative fusion of Caribbean rhythms with hip hop and R&B has left a lasting impact on the music industry. His philanthropic efforts, though met with challenges, highlight his commitment to his homeland and global humanitarian causes. Jean’s ability to bridge cultural divides through music continues to inspire artists and fans worldwide.
