Vincent Ozier Lafontaine, 90, died on Friday evening, June 23, 2023, at the Pierre Zobda Quitman Hospital in Fort-de-France. He left “after more than a week of suffering,” his family said.
Daniel Betis • Published June 24, 2023 at 12:33 PM, updated June 24, 2023 at 12:39 PM.
Originally from the Trénelle district of Fort-de-France, Vincent Ozier-Lafontaine is one of the great composers who brought West Indian music to its heyday. This iconic figure later grew up in Châteaubœuf, another popular neighborhood in the city of Foyalaise.
An example of courage, ambition and success
The multi-professional artist began his active life at a very young age. Not wanting to remain idle, he started out as a cabin boy, then worked as a salesman, delivery boy and gas station attendant before becoming emeritus managing director.
Guy Méthalie and Vincent Ozier-Lafontaine, an unshakable friendship for old rivals of Creole song. • ©DB
Back then, producers Debs and Célinini from Guadeloupe landed with their equipment to record artists from our region. Vincent decided that artists should be autonomous,
It is addressed to Mr. Balthazar and forms the basis of the first recording of a 45 rpm record. He composes and interprets his titles like “Loto ka kôné”. Success is immediate!
In 1962 he surprised the organizers of the Creole Song Contest with the quality of his popular compositions. Vincent Ozier Lafontane could have won the biguine, waltz, vidé and mazurka prizes.
In order not to alienate the other Kaziken composers, the jury “arranges” and awards him two first prizes and two second prizes.
He has created more than a hundred works
Who hasn’t hummed “Homage to my mother”, “The fate of Gisèle” or “Saint Chabin”, but Vincent Ozier-Lafontaine is: “Homage to my father”, “Homage to the 3rd age”, “charged”, all emotional music.
Produced by José Versol, it also included songs of praise
The reactions
Bernard Bolosier in 2018 had put him in the spotlight. Several speakers followed one another to testify, including Guy Méthalie, José Versol, Marie-Ange Ravin, Michel Beroard, Jean-Luc Danglades and Gabrielle Talbot. They highlighted the talent of the author, the poetry expressed in his texts, the generosity of the man and that humility that remains the prerogative of the great.
A hard worker, a builder of our Martin society. He was decisive in his decisions and actions. He was also a great nature lover. In his spare time he is a trumpeter, singer and comedian. We especially remember this timeless song “Tribute to my mother” from him. A passionate defender of our musical heritage, his compositions were often charged with emotion. I still remember the warm welcome he gave Daniel Bétis and I when we met at his home, and he did not hesitate to offer advice based on his experience. Farewell, Vincent.
Bernard Bolosier – President of Carrefour Barel Coppet
He is a role model for the younger generation when it comes to success. Starting from scratch and getting to the top. He was a talented composer who created beautiful works. He was able to convey values and music to his children. That’s a great man.
Guy Méthalie – Singer-songwriter
Vincent Ozier Lafontaine’s Recent Recordings • ©Vincent Ozier Lafontaine Productions José Versol