Rutshelle Guillaume is a renowned Haitian singer and songwriter celebrated for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Born on July 28, 1988, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she began singing at the age of five in her father’s church, which laid the foundation for her deep connection to gospel music. Over the years, Rutshelle has showcased her versatility by performing across multiple genres, including konpa, R&B, and gospel. Her contributions to Haiti’s music industry have earned her widespread recognition, with several albums and singles that highlight her range and artistry. Beyond music, she is also known for her engaging stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Education & Early Career
- Studied philosophy at Haiti’s École Normale Supérieure, earning a degree.
- Taught philosophy at Collège Bird (2009–2011) while developing her music career.
Music Career & Albums
- Rose to fame with single “Kite’m Kriye” and debut album Emotions (2014).
- Followed up with Rebelle (2017) and Quoi Qu’il Advienne (2021)—the latter blended kompa, afrobeats, and ballads.
Acclaim & Awards
- Crowned Best Caribbean Artist at the Trace Awards & Festival (Kigali, 2023).
- Received the Francophonie Prize at Festival Nuits d’Afrique in Montreal (2024).
- Named Best Artist of the Year by Haitian cultural outlets (2021).
Acting & Entrepreneurship
- Made her acting debut in the Haitian film Vakans (2022).
- Launched RG Collections in 2019, featuring handbags and swimwear; also founded a cosmetics line, RG Luxe Beauty.
Style & Themes
- Her voice and artistry blend kompa, Caribbean pop, afrobeats, ballads, and zouk.
- Lyrics often explore love, resilience, identity, with a strong connection to Haitian culture.
Influence & Impact
- Dubbed the “Queen of Kompa” by fans and peers.
- Advocates for women’s empowerment and Haitian arts and culture
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Rutshelle Guillaume |
| Born | July 28, 1988 — Port‑au‑Prince, Haiti |
| Education | Philosophy degree — École Normale Supérieure; former philosophy teacher |
| Albums | Emotions (2014), Rebelle (2017), Quoi Qu’il Advienne (2021) |
| Major Awards | Trace Awards 2023 (Best Caribbean Artist); Prix Francophonie 2024 |
| Actress | Starred in Vakans (2022) |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder of RG Collections (fashion) & RG Luxe Beauty (cosmetics) |
| Style | Blend of kompa, afrobeats, zouk, ballads; themes of love, resilience |
