R&B in Creole: A.ZA

Creole music is living a renaissance like never seen before. Musicians such as Jermaine from the South, Kruella, and Babydoll Countess are creating a new lane. Aliza Ariza, who sings under the name A.ZA, joins this group of musicians with here first song “Pa Fé Kom Si.”

Born in Huey P. Long hospital in Pineville, Louisiana, Aliza grew up between Baton Rouge and Marksville where she would be baptized in a rich musical culture. Between rap, zydeco, blues, and bounce that flourish in the state, but it was R&B that put a melody to her words. Inspired by Aaliyah and Jhené Aiko, she wanted to bring this energy to the Creole community. She tells us, “I wanted to make music in R&B because it gave me a way to explain what is happening in my life.”

She uses the music as a way to feel in the language. She confesses, “I believe if we laugh, play, cry, and just feel all of it in Kouri-Vini, it is good for the revitalization of the language.” Aliza wants the language to become a normal part of life for Louisianans like it was for her ancestors. But also, she wants people to know that the language can evolve alongside modern-day life. It is not an old thing stuck in the past.

Aliza believes Creole-speaking musicians can pierce into the international community. We have already seen musicians like Cedric Watson who has played concerts in Reunion Island, Haiti, France, and Canada. He brought our traditional music to places far beyond our borders as did musicians before him, but Aliza wishes to cement a lane for Louisiana musicians who not only sing Creole, but who also play non-traditional music.

Even though she is only teasing us with her first song “Pa Fé Kom Si”, she let us know she is working to finish an album of 5-6 songs. Listen to her music on Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube.