Dieufaite Charles aka JAFFA, was born March 3, 1977 in Gonaives, Haiti outside the city called Terre Neuve not far from Gonaives city a north west province ( department de l` Artibonite d `Haiti). In a country where music is omnipresent – merengue, compass, Zouk, Reggae, Roots music and carnival rara – JAFFA showed a talent for singing at an early age.
At “Eglise de Dieu Union Chrétienne”, where he learned many things especially music, he often participated in cultural activities organized by the youth of the church. Soon JAFFA’s heart was touched by the rhythm of “Haitian Roots music” focusing on the spirituality of his beloved country. SEAL, Sam Cook and Eddy Francois, one of the great Haitian traditional music singers, influenced JAFFA. JAFFA first learned to play flute and keyboards, but found his true connection with the acoustic guitar, which he considers as his companion on stage.
Encouraged by his family including his older brother Dieufort , Jaffa has participated in many cultural activities in the country and he he forged a solid stage experience. In 2004, he performed an important festival in Landau in Germany. He then returned to Haiti and continued to seek out the door to his dream.
JAFFA worked in collaboration with many artistes and quickly gained their respect. In September 2009, JAFFA was invited to the USA to participate in several concerts alongside the `Haitians living abroad. The reception for JAFFA’s music was overwhelming with him receiving standing ovations at each performance
In Haiti December 25, 2009 celebrated Christmas with his family. The family reunion would be shattered two week later two weeks later as when a 7.1 earthquake January 12, 2010 shook his nation, Jaffa narrowly escaped as his house crumbled 2 seconds after he reached the street.
After the disaster, JAFFA moved to Toronto Canada where he composed all the music for the award winning documentary film “Real Voodoo” directed by Sandra Whiteley. With his producer Bryant Didier He continues to work on his album at BMusique. To listen to his music is to meditate and connect to a higher plain. AYIBOBO!
Jaffa is a kind of artist that connects with his audience through a mystical connection whenever he is on stage with his guitar. Listen to Jaffa playing his music is a connection to Africa… There’s something spiritual going on…. Jaffa is a true artist.