Marlene Dorcena was born in Haiti and grew up in Cayes, in the South of the… Read Full Bio ↴Marlene Dorcena was born in Haiti and grew up in Cayes, in the South of the country. It was there that she had her vocal training, singing gospel at church and French songs at school.
During her studies in communication and languages, she developed a growing love for singing about Haitian life.
Marlene is independently engaged in the social struggle for women’s rights and for the change in Haitian street children’s condition, collaborating with various associations in Haïti as well as in Belgium.
In homage to her grand mother who transmitted the love of the Haitian culture to her,in 2003 she wrote a book of tales (the profits will be used to finance a well in Haiti).
Marlène was first invited to Belgium in 1991, to take part in a theatrical play.
From this period onwards, she sings in various Haitian groups. All these experiments encourage her to develop a broad repertory of traditional songs to which she has added her personal compositions reporting everyday realities of Haiti.
In 2001, she recorded 3 tracks for the radio (RTBF) compilation in Belgium ‘Le Monde est un Village’. After this experience, Marlene decides to create her own band under her name.
She records her first album "Mèsy" (Contre-Jour - CJ010). This CD, released in Europe in Spring 2002 aroused the interest of the public and the promoters.
2005 will see the release of her new album.
In concert, her success is due to her natural charm, her generosity and to the warmth of her emotion-filled voice.