Redge Olibrice owes everything to his mother, who emigrated from Haiti and raised her boys alone. The woman shaped his career to such an extent that thanks to her he sings and can now secure the title of the most beautiful voice in Quebec.
“She was the one who enrolled me in choir when I wanted to join the Boy Scouts. Without her, I might not be singing today,” said the 28-year-old Montrealer.
PHOTO BY BERTRAND EXERTIER, PROVIDED BY TVA
“She's a strong woman, she's an inspiration because she worked hard to make sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads.” In short, he knows he owes her a lot and he wants to make them proud.
Redge learned to play guitar in high school – particularly on a Corneille song – and was also interested in drums and piano. He made Cégeps en spectacle and joined groups like Heaventide, which means he comes into the competition with some baggage.
This Sunday at the Blind Auditions of La Voix, Redge decided to join Roxane Bruneau's team, praising the singer-songwriter's “freshness”. He had just set the studio on fire with the song “Bella” by Gims.
Coach Roxane Bruneau. PHOTO BY BERTRAND EXERTIER, PROVIDED BY TVA
The four trainers quickly turned around, including Corneille, who had just said he wanted to hear Afro, R&B, hip-hop and even urban pop. They loved everything about Redge, his tremolo, his vibrato, his deep voice, his vocal technique and his dance moves.
You might think he would choose Corneille because of their similar musical styles, but Redge chose Roxane Bruneau, who inspires him.
“There is her entrepreneurial side, which I am very attracted to, and the fact that Roxane promotes differences in all aspects of her life. I was expected with Corneille, but I wanted to break the codes to promote this culture of difference. I had four “crazy” coaches before me, but with Roxane I knew it would take me beyond what was expected of me.”
PHOTO BY BERTRAND EXERTIER, PROVIDED BY TVA
Whether he pursues a career or not – which is what he longs for, composing “in silence” – he says, “music will remain a passion in any case.” Redge is currently a marketing manager for a web agency. He's also a photographer and just completed a project to immortalize 100 Montrealers, including himself, in just a few days.
“The goal was to promote differences through my social networks, but in the end I learned so much. I thought it would be beneficial for others, but all these meetings made me grow.”