“Iko Kreyòl,” the first recording from a highly anticipated collaboration between the Haitian band, Lakou Mizik and the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian collective, the 79rs Gang, is available today at digital outlets. The EP features four versions of the New Orleans classic, “Iko, Iko.” The full album, HaitiaNola, arrives in stores on October 25 and will be released on vinyl.
Besides, the Mardi Gras Indians, the song also features higher profile guest artists—Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne and Win Butler as well as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The EP includes the album version of the tune and three alternative mixes.
Numerous other artists have covered the iconic New Orleans song, which was made famous by the Dixie Cups on a record from back in 1964. For this latest retelling, Lakou Mizik and 79rs Gang trade off new verses in Haitian Kreyòl and English that celebrate the latest cultural reunion of Haiti and New Orleans. The connections between these cultures are on full display as the traditional Haitian rara horns mix with the New Orleans second line beat of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Some may question the involvement of Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne and Win Butler in this effort. But Chassagne has Haitian roots and the two musicians have been steady advocates for both native Haitian culture and the connections between Haiti and New Orleans since moving to the city in 2014.
They have created a new Carnival organization, the Krewe du Kanaval, which celebrates the culture and connections each Carnival season.
Lakou Mizik is currently on a North American tour in support of the HaitiaNola album release.
