Poet-Singer Jean Jean Roosevelt Wins Gold at La Francophonie Games

Haitian Jean Jean Roosevelt, representing his country at the 7th La Francophonie Games, took home the Gold Medal. The Games, which incorporate a music category alongside an athletic competition, is considered a respected event in the Francophone world.

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Roosevelt competed against 18 other singers from around the world. The event's judges were stunned by the artistry Roosevelt displayed as he stood on stage, fingering his guitar with effortless dexterity and singing like a sensitive troubadour in the court of a French king.

Jean Jean Roosevelt - Y a danger

As the competition progressed, Roosevelt easily advanced to each succeeding stage of it. The talk was he was a shoo-in for the coveted prize. By the final round, Roosevelt stood shoulder-to-shoulder with four other finalists: Valerie of Austria, Sae Lis of Lebanon, Holy Jah Doves of Rwanda, and Beni-Wende of Burkina Faso.

JEAN JEAN ROOSEVELT OFFICIAL " PINGA "

As fourth and third place winners were named, Roosevelt smiled and shook hands with each. Down to the final two, the contestants shook hands, wished each other luck as the audience held its breath. When Roosevelt's name was announced as the winner, he wept for joy, saying over and over "I can't believe it, I can't believe it!"

Agoye - Jean Jean Roosevelt

President Martelly sent his personal congratulations to Roosevelt by cell phone, telling the singer his country was proud of him and his accomplishments. The Head of State told the press later Roosevelt's win was due to his innate talent and perseverance, a man who believed in himself and his art.

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