François Emmanuel Carlyle Courtois, formerly known as Elylrac, is a pivotal figure in Haitian music and a founding member of the legendary Creole hip-hop group Haïti Rap n Ragga, alongside Georges Lys Hérard (Master Dji), the pioneer of Creole rap in Haiti. Together, they made music history with two iconic albums: Match la Red (1994), produced by Déclic Communication, and Maximum Respect, released in collaboration with Cross Over Records. These works remain foundational to Haitian and Caribbean Creole rap.
A Turning Point: Faith and Transformation
On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a catastrophic earthquake that claimed nearly 300,000 lives in just 35 seconds. Miraculously spared, François felt God’s intervention in his life and embraced a divine purpose. From that moment, he chose to dedicate his life to praising and glorifying the Ultimate Creator through music.
Musical and Spiritual Evolution
Having experienced God’s profound power, François began sharing his faith through music. He has released three singles to date and is actively working on a full album. This upcoming project is unique in its dedication, with 60% of the content honoring God and 40% exploring societal themes such as addiction, agape love, and complex relationships.
Resilience Through Trials
François’s journey has not been without challenges. After releasing Match la Red during the National Government Council’s regime, he survived an assassination attempt in 1994, as the album’s slogan, Match la Red, was deemed subversive. A second attempt occurred in 2015 when former paramilitaries turned police officers opened fire on him. Miraculously, François survived both incidents and eventually relocated to the United States to ensure his safety. He has since spent seven years in the U.S., continuing his mission under the name Emmanuel 4 Christ.
Emmanuel 4 Christ: The New Chapter
Now performing as Emmanuel 4 Christ, François channels his passion for music into spreading God’s love and hope. His forthcoming album features collaborations with some of Haiti’s most renowned artists, including Raoul Denis Jr. (Zeklè), Jimmy Jean Félix (Boukan Ginen), Fabrice Rouzier (Mizik-Mizik/Haiti Twoubadou), Babas Altidor, and Luidji Lindor (ZigZag).
Signature Singles and Themes
- “Sèl JEZI Konsa”: A heartfelt testimony of faith.
- “Renaissance”: A powerful message of rebirth and introspection.
- “Ann Chanté Lanmou”: A celebration of love amidst the chaos of a world riddled with falsehood, immorality, and mediocrity.
A Message of Hope
This album serves as a beacon of hope in a world turned upside down. Emmanuel’s music, along with lyric videos and official clips—such as those directed by James Berlus, a talented filmmaker and long-time friend—are available on all major platforms.
Collaboration and Opportunities
Emmanuel is open to collaborating with artists, individuals, and production houses interested in supporting his album and live performances. For inquiries or partnerships, he can be reached via direct message, private message, or text.
(E4C)
