Bwa KaYimaN FreeDoM SuiTe

Jowee Omicil is an unstoppable trailblazer, continuously exploring new musical realms. No label can fully capture this exceptional artist – a saxophonist, singer, pianist, and visionary, whose Haitian roots inspire music that embodies freedom, with a mystical touch of rebellion and memory.

Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Jowee Omicil blends his heritage, encounters, travels, and discoveries into a unique expression of curiosity and authenticity. Full of energy and joy, he is a passionate performer who captivates audiences with melodies and grooves that surprise, refresh, and uplift – a true boost for the soul.

His latest album, SpiriTuaL HeaLinG: Bwa KaYimaN FreeDoM SuiTe, is inspired by the 1791 Vodou ceremony at Bois Caïman, a pivotal moment that ignited the Haitian slave rebellion and the path to independence. This deep yearning for freedom comes alive in his music with impressive virtuosity and boundless generosity, creating an electrifying connection that sweeps the audience up and leaves them inspired. Jowee’s secret? No two concerts are alike – each one is a unique experience.

From the church pews of his father to Berklee College and the streets of New York, Jowee’s musical journey has been shaped by legends like Ornette Coleman and Roy Hargrove. He has worked with icons such as Tony Allen, Marcus Miller, and André 3000, served as Master of Ceremony at Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday in Montreux, and appeared in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix series The Eddy. Jowee Omicil is a true visionary who views his music as a bridge between cultures, people, and emotions, turning every performance into a journey of freedom and surprise.

Press Reviews for Spiritual Healing

just a few of the many outstanding reviews

"One of the records of the year already when it comes to jazz." – Gilles Peterson, BBC6

"Exciting, its sudden ructions suggesting that revolution is always an option, and closer than we might think." – The Guardian

"An ambitious concept album, a triumph of socio-political commentary as well as of musical excellence." – Jazz Wise

"A mystical wind of memory and revolt." – RFI

"Through this resurrected ceremony, a suite of free traces, unearthed and invented, Omicil shows us that improvisation always has more to reveal and wounds to heal." – L'Humanité

"It is a musical experiment, a uniquely original narrative." – Rolling Stone

"It is music that can only be fully experienced through concentrated listening. Only then does it reveal its full impact — undoubtedly the most ambitious work by Jowee Omicil." – TAZ

"A standout jazz revelation of the early year." – Le Devoir

"Jowee Omicil is at the heart of this celebration – His record, his most audacious and inspired work to date, is a free jazz epic inspired by the Bois-Caïman." – Le Devoir

"A free jazz improvisation inspired by the founding act of the revolution in Haiti." – Libération

"A duty of remembrance, a meditative and liberating hymn that tells the truth of history." – Radio France

"A triumph of socio-political commentary as well as musical excellence. Omicil comes of artistic age in quite stunning fashion." – Echoes

"We talked about 'free' jazz earlier: Jowee Omicil today claims such a legacy. For those who have experienced it, the shadows of Pharoah Sanders, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, or Charles Lloyd’s trances linger. In the end, with 'spoken-sung' Creole onomatopoeias, we return to Haiti. The circle is complete." – Jazz Mag