Haitian DJ, producer and cultural curator Francis Mercier has built a career on blending the sounds of Haiti, the Caribbean, Africa and the Levant into a signature sound that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
With more than 500 million streams, a residency at Hï Ibiza, and performances spanning Coachella, Tomorrowland Brazil and the Giza Pyramids, Mercier has established himself as one of dance music’s most compelling voices.
His debut album, Lakay, which was released on July 14, 2026, marks a deeply personal milestone for him. Named after the Haitian Creole word for “home”, the 20-track project is both a celebration of his roots and a tribute to the cultures and communities that have shaped his journey.
Featuring collaborators from 15 countries, Lakay reflects Mercier’s belief that music has the power to unite people across borders while remaining deeply connected to their identities.
In a conversation with Rolling Stone Africa, Francis Mercier opens up about the meaning of home, the inspiration behind Lakay, Africa’s growing influence on global dance music, preserving cultural authenticity, building community beyond the dancefloor, and why he believes music is ultimately a force for global unity.
Lakay translates to “Home,” a word that carries deep emotional weight for Haitians. What does “home” mean to you today, and why was this the right title for your debut album?
Today, ‘Home’ means being wherever and whenever I am surrounded by my friends, family, and community, no matter the city across the globe that I am in. Lakay was the perfect title for my debut album because not only is it my native tongue of Haitian Creole, but its translation resonates deeply with me and so many other DJs and individuals who spend a vast amount of time traveling around the world.
Lakay is so special to you. What story are you telling across the project, and what do you hope listeners feel from beginning to end?
Lakay is my most personal musical statement to date. It is a tribute to every corner of the world that has welcomed me like my true home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. From the 1st to the 20th track, I encourage listeners to appreciate the 25 collaborators, ranging from emerging to established talent. It is an honor to not only honor established artists whom I admire, but to also open doors for rising talents. The album comprises music spanning 15 countries, which I encourage every listener to cherish as well.
Your music effortlessly blends Haiti, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Levant. How did those different worlds come together naturally in your creative process for Lakay?
My hometown, Haiti, which speaks to music of the Caribbean, is a nation of the African diaspora. There are many musical similarities that share warmth, color, and energy. The Levant is a special region for me, as I have spent a lot of quality time there during my career, and its proximity to northern Africa draws on musical influences from across Africa as a whole. Solèy, my record label on which ‘Lakay’ was released, is a global community rooted in multiculturalism. Solèy means “Sun” in Haitian Creole, symbolizing positivity, radiance, and warmth, and its sound is an ode to the Levant, Africa, and the Caribbean.
You’ve built a career by bringing traditional rhythms into modern dance music without losing their authenticity. How do you strike that balance between cultural preservation and innovation?
Yes. Multicultural house music is what I am fond of most. Melding traditional music with modern dance music elements has allowed me to find a balance between cultural preservation and innovation. Lakay blends familiar rhythms with global influences, creating a sound that feels both deeply intimate and borderless.
Haiti has given the world so much culturally, yet its contemporary music scene doesn’t always receive the same global recognition as other regions. What conversations do you hope Lakay sparks about Haitian creativity?
Indeed. I hope Lakay shows the world that Haitian musical influence is something to be appreciated and shared more widely by all cultures and generations.
Beyond music, you’ve launched Solèy Football Club, blending football, wellness, and community in Ibiza. Why was it important for you to create something that exists outside nightlife?
Football has always been a passion for me. Having fun off the dance floor with my peers is refreshing and exhilarating. Through Solèy FC, by blending football, wellness, and community globally, predominantly in Ibiza, create moments that go beyond music; bringing communities together across cultures to be a force for positive community impact.
African electronic music is experiencing remarkable growth, with genres like Afro House reaching audiences worldwide. How do you view Africa’s influence on today’s global dance music scene?
Africa’s influence on today’s global dance music scene is without doubt a considerable force. I feel like people experience a newfound sense of musical enjoyment from African percussion, instrumentation, and rhythm that is so unique and refreshing compared to other popular dance music genres out there.
Are there African artists or producers who have inspired you creatively or whom you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Certainly. Black Coffee, Magic System, Amadou & Mariam, Salif Keita, and Black Motion, to name a few.
For young producers in Haiti, Africa, and the wider diaspora who are trying to bring their own cultural identity into electronic music, what advice would you give them?
My advice is to find a sound that you love, and expand on it with your signature style and flair to create something fresh. Originality makes the music production process so much more fun and gratifying.
If someone discovers Francis Mercier for the very first time through Lakay, what is the one thing you hope they understand about you as an artist?
I hope they see my effort to bring together sounds and artists from all corners of the world. My artistry represents global musical unity.
‘Lakay (Home)’ Tracklist:
1. Francis Mercier, Mark Borino – All My Life (VIP Mix)
2. Francis Mercier, Wyclef Jean, Kah-Lo – Take Me Home
3. Francis Mercier, Madmix, Toshi – Unjust
4. Francis Mercier, Emmanuel Jal – Sawa
5. Francis Mercier, Ginton, Valentino Rose – Like What I Like
6. Francis Mercier, Mahmut Orhan – Sadete
7. Francis Mercier, MASSALA, LexBlaze – Champagne
8. Francis Mercier, Lenny Auguste – Solèy
9. Francis Mercier – Inansoma
10. Francis Mercier, K-Zaka, Starr Healer – Stay
11. Francis Mercier, Robin S – Show Me Love (Devotion)
12. Francis Mercier, Jawora, Neyl, Jesse Boykins III – Believe In Us
13. Francis Mercier, Amadou & Mariam, Neyl, Nadrums – Halala
14. Francis Mercier, ZAMA – U&I
15. Francis Mercier, Robin S – Show Me Love (Devotion) [VIP Mix]
16. Francis Mercier, Mara Selene – Let Me Be
17. Francis Mercier, Maline Aura – Ngizwile
18. Francis Mercier, AWEN – Killing Me Softly
19. Francis Mercier, Joezi, Ninae – New Tomorrow
20. Francis Mercier, Mark Borino – All My Life (Acoustic Mix)
Listen to ‘Lakay’ HERE
PHOTO CREDIT: Johan Ramillon
