Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, Grammy Award winning Haitian-born music composer and record producer, has been one of the most successful producers to emerge from the golden era of Hip Hop. This accomplished musician plays the bass, guitar, congas, and drums. He has worked with artists such as Wyclef Jean, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Black Eyed Peas, Bono, Quincy Jones and countless amounts of world recognized talent. While having his hands in many projects, he has been able to stay true to his sound and become a global citizen and musician.
The Gospel First⦠“My music comes from everything but it started from church. Every Sunday morning I was right there with my band. People don’t know that my first album was a church album. But yeah after that I did Haitian music then gospel and jazz; that’s the beauty of my music. Most of all my music comes from church.”
Lauryn Hill’s Return⦠“Well you know she love music. She’s a classic. She’s special and talented. I feel like the Fugees are gonna make a comeback and make some new music.”
If It Wasn’t For the Music⦔Well, me and Wyclef started this foundation over in Haiti called Yele. Yele was established to help young musicians and young artists. Schools help to clean the streets and after the earthquake we put people on the streets to help out families and kids. Now we have a school program for orphans. I’m flying back and forth working on my music and helping Haiti.”
Remembering Musical Moments⦠“First thing is I’m a base player. I play every instrument but the base is my thing. I remember when I was younger my dad gave me the basement. Me, Wyclef and my brother turned it into a studio. This is where the Fugees started. After that I worked with City High. I love working on artist development. Me and my team are working with young talent. So if you got or know any young talent send them to me.”
My Studio Is A Must⦠“Platinum sounds started eleven years ago, it’s a place were artist, producers, etc. come for hit records. Everyone I work with comes to Platinum.”
Based on Mood Music⦠“I like to produce whatever I’m in the mood for. I can go from a Gucci Mane one day to Justin Bieber, or a T.I. to a Keri Hilson. Then do a Lupe Fiasco or Melanie Fiona.”
Mary J. Blige’s A Monster⦠“Yeah, that’s a good album, but one of my crazies’ songs I worked on this year is “Someone to Love” by Mary J. Blige.
New Jersey Drive⦠“One restaurant that I miss from back in the day was called the Peppermint Lounge ⦠we all knew that spot. If I’m home I’m eating at all little Haitian spots. Sundays, I try to stay home and eat.”
The Future Beholds⦠“I wanna work with everybody, young talent to old. I’ll even go Country, Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B, Soul and Pop. It’s all about that stadium sound.”
—— By: Interview By Malcolm Masai
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