Emerging Haitian artist Widmayard CJ has released his first extended play, ESANSYÈL, a five track project that offers a deeper look into his artistic vision and creative process. The EP arrives as a significant milestone for the young musician, who has spent recent years refining both his sound and his approach to music production.
Initially conceived as a series of standalone singles, the project gradually evolved into a cohesive EP. According to the artist, the decision allowed him to present different aspects of his musical identity within a single body of work rather than through isolated releases.
The title ESANSYÈL emerged from one of the songs created during the development process. Written while Widmayard CJ was experimenting with melodies on guitar earlier this year, the track eventually became the centerpiece of the project and inspired its overall name.
What distinguishes the EP is the artist’s extensive involvement behind the scenes. Beyond performing the songs, Widmayard CJ handled key stages of production, including beat making, mixing, and mastering. The hands on approach enabled him to maintain a consistent artistic direction throughout the project.
The release features the tracks Vin Di Mwen, Hey Mama, Vini, Pwòp, and Esansyèl, the latter including a collaboration with fellow artist Tikawo Trafik. The partnership developed naturally after previous discussions between the two musicians about working together.
Among the songs, Hey Mama stands out for its personal subject matter. The track serves as a tribute to the artist’s late mother and reflects on a loss that continues to shape his life. Widmayard CJ has described the recording process as emotionally challenging, recalling moments when the weight of the lyrics affected him during studio sessions.
While Hey Mama drew heavily from personal experience, the title track presented a different challenge. Seeking to achieve the exact sound he envisioned, the artist devoted considerable time to refining every element of the song before its release.
Widmayard CJ believes his songwriting has matured significantly over time. He points to a greater ability to communicate ideas and emotions with clarity, a development that can be heard throughout the EP. Influenced by artists such as Tayc and Chris Brown, he nevertheless aims to build a musical identity rooted in versatility and independence.
Like many emerging musicians, his path has included obstacles. He recalls periods when his work struggled to gain visibility online despite consistent efforts to create and share content. Rather than discouraging him, those experiences reinforced his commitment to continuing his artistic journey.
Looking at the broader Haitian music landscape, Widmayard CJ sees growing opportunities for independent artists. He believes digital platforms and social media have made it easier for new voices to reach audiences and establish their presence without relying solely on traditional industry structures.
With ESANSYÈL now available, the artist is already focused on future releases. Several music videos are currently in development, while he continues to write and record new material on a regular basis.
For Widmayard CJ, the debut EP represents more than a collection of songs. It is a reflection of personal experiences, creative independence, and the artistic direction he hopes to continue exploring in the years ahead.
