Barnev Valsaint – or simply Barnev – is part of Celine Dion’s extended family. He has been the star’s backing vocalist for more than 25 years and has enabled him to shine in solos and duets with her for quite some time. However, for whoever has just started moving out, it’s time to stand on your own two feet. The day after.
Born to Haitian parents who left their homeland for a better life in Quebec, Barnev grew up in west Montreal, where he spoke both French and English.
As a music fan, he could count on his record-collecting parents to discover different artists and styles of music from an early age.
“It’s like I was born with headphones in my ears. I also started collecting records and was part of the gospel choir at church every Sunday. There I learned to master harmonies and to understand the structures of songs,” says the 44-year-old singer.
Fairy tale
In 1993, the group he belonged to changed its name to NoDéjà. Then, in 1997, the members of Dubmatique offered him to sing the (catchy!) chorus of Soul pleureur. The play was a huge hit, coinciding with the start of his professional career.
“I owe them a lot, it opened a lot of doors for me,” says Barnev.
During a concert series with Dubmatique in 1999, Barnev received a call that would change his life. He was offered an audition for a tour with Celine Dion. It was Gregory Charles (whom he knew from the gospel world), then playing the role of backing vocalist to Céline, who suggested his name.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. You also had to learn a dance. They sent the tape to Céline in Florida to see what she liked and she decided to take me with her. I didn’t believe it! »
His first meeting with the singer took place at the Bell Center, where he gave his first show together with her.
“I was nervous. She said to me: welcome to the family, do not hesitate, you have everything you need here, we are here. She welcomed me personally and professionally. »
Photo provided by Roy & Turner
The confidence to shine
It’s certainly all those years of appearing alongside Celine Dion that gave Barnev the confidence to launch a solo career.
“The more I sang with her at Celine’s, the more she trusted me to take charge if she wanted to change during the show. We always did duets with her. There is great chemistry between her and me. Celine is really generous. She likes to see people shine and to share the stage with other artists. »
Barnev is therefore keen to send his mentor a copy of his first solo album. This album, whose title remains secret, will be released “sometime in early 2024” and its first excerpt “The Next Day” is a good indicator of its upbeat and dancing side.
“I wanted a sound that would make me stand out when people are listening to me. It’s a little bit funk, a little bit soul, a little bit pop, it’s the sound of Barnev. It was important to find my sound and I think I managed to do that,” adds the singer, who produces and collaborates on the lyrics of this French-language album, recorded at his Montreal studio.
This album will be colorful and fun, promises the artist, who plans to tour after the release.
“I wanted people to see that I can do my stuff on my own. A collaboration with Céline would be a dream! Sometimes we talk about recording a song or record together one day. My star isn’t bright enough yet… It’s time to fly with my own wings. »
The song The day after by Barnev is accessible on all platforms.