CULTURE | Teddy Hashtag Unveils “READY”: An Ambitious Album, A Contrasting Evening

The Haitian music scene vibrated this Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Pétion-Ville, at the NH – El Rancho Hotel, to the rhythm of the new project by Teddy Hashtag, a young, rising artist. His album « READY », composed of 12 tracks and enhanced by three major collaborations, symbolizes a pivotal stage in his young career. But while the music was captivating, the launch event initially stumbled due to a lack of organizational rigor. An evening where artistic talent ultimately prevailed, largely thanks to the presence and professionalism of prominent media figures. A Poorly Orchestrated Launch Saved by Journalists' Commitment Scheduled for 4 PM, the press conference only began around 6 PM, leaving a nearly empty room and palpable tension among the journalists present. Many, annoyed by the delay, expressed their dissatisfaction, while others, faithful to their mission, chose to stay not out of complacency, but out of professional conscience. In the room, Jean Mary Simon (JMS), a technical member of the restructuring committee of the Radio Télévision Nationale d'Haïti, embodied the rigor and patience sorely lacking in the country's cultural events. His calm demeanor, respect for protocol, and constant presence serve as a reminder that Haitian cultural journalism is not dead; it survives thanks to men and women who understand the importance of documenting culture, even amidst its chaos. And then there was Marc Anderson Brégard, “Breg,” a living legend of music journalism. His mere presence lent density and credibility to the event. Bregard was not there for show: he was there to remind everyone, through his gaze and his words, that music is not just a fast-consuming product, but a heritage to be preserved, recounted, and critiqued. « READY »: An Album Reflecting Maturity and Openness When Teddy Hashtag and his staff, dressed in black shirts marked with the album title, finally appeared, the tension subsided. The young artist managed to win back his audience, sincerely explaining his approach and the emotions behind each track. The album « READY » features 12 tracks, including three significant collaborations:

• “Detwi” with Hendrix Kid,
• “Ou pa may” with Legendary,
• and “Ou banm lanmou” with the great Rutshelle Guillaume.

« When we got confirmation from Rutshelle, we screamed with joy, we sang! », Teddy Hashtag's manager confided, conveying the almost spiritual dimension this collaboration held for them. Each track reveals a different facet of the young singer: faith and gratitude in “Bondye’m nan,” romantic nostalgia in “Tounen avè’m,” tenderness in “M vle’w konnen” and “Orevwa,” and maturity in “Manke Pridan.” Teddy Hashtag proves that he is not just a trendy singer, but an artist in search of meaning, shaping his identity between pain, hope, and self-affirmation. The Testimony of a Journey, the Recognition of Resilience Recalling his beginnings, Teddy Hashtag humbly stated: « When we started, there was a room smaller than this one, with fewer people. » This simple yet poignant sentence summarizes the essence of the project: perseverance in the face of modest beginnings, faith in the face of uncertainty. Asked about L-Won's absence from the album, he replied diplomatically: « There is no problem. We are on good terms. We will have more great tracks to come. » A response that denotes a rare maturity in a young artist often exposed to industry rivalries. An Evening Saved by Culture, Transcended by the Press It would be unfair to reduce this evening to its delay. Because, as the room filled, the atmosphere changed. Cameras lit up, microphones were extended, and the dialogue between artists and journalists came back to life. Figures like Dangelo Neard, host of “Des Livres et Vous,” Bigo, as well as many influencers, were present to witness a moment that goes beyond simple musical promotion. It was a celebration of the resilience of Haitian culture, supported by a passionate, demanding, and often underestimated press. “READY,” A Symbol of Transition The album “READY” is not just an artistic product: it is a signal of maturity for Teddy Hashtag and his team. But it is also a reminder that cultural success is measured not only by the beauty of the songs, but by the ability to create a connection between artists, journalists, and the public. In this sense, Jean Mary Simon, Marc Anderson Bregard, and a few others, through their presence and professionalism, reminded everyone that the Haitian cultural press remains a fundamental pillar of collective memory. And if Teddy Hashtag says he is “Ready,” it is perhaps primarily because he understood amidst the imperfections of this evening that music truly exists only when it meets those who tell its story.