By Michael Mondezie
T&T’S renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles has been awarded one of France’s highest cultural honours: the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters).
The accolade was bestowed upon Charles by Consul General of France, Raphaël Trapp, during a ceremony at the French Consulate in Miami, Florida, on November 20th.
Conferred by the government of France, the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the promotion of culture in France and globally.
Past recipients include global icons such as American actress Meryl Streep, the late British rocker David Bowie, British pop star Adele, and Colombian Latin pop hitmaker Shakira.
For Charles, whose career intertwines the rhythms and melodies of the Caribbean into the vibrant discourse of jazz, the honour is both humbling and validating.
‘It’s still setting in,’ he admitted, during a WhatsApp chat with the Kitcharee. ‘Being recognised by France with this award for my work is a warming feeling and a magnanimous honour for which I will forever be grateful. As an ambassador, I feel like it gives our art, stories, and culture wider reach.’
Heritage and innovation
Charles joins an elite group of jazz luminaries such as Miles Davis and Quincy Jones to receive this title. For the 41-year-old, this milestone symbolises both personal achievement and regional pride.
Steeped in Caribbean influences, Charles’ music is celebrated for its fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary jazz.
‘Learning the story to tell it is the most crucial part of my creative process,’ he said. ‘Whether it’s an old story or one that has never been written, getting the picture, scene, movements, and characters in my imagination makes it a more palpable piece. Visuals really help me as well-this is why I value so much my work with [photographer] Maria Nunes.’
From his groundbreaking albums Creole Soul and Creole Orchestra to compositions like ‘La Diablesse’ and ‘Dame Lorraine’, Charles explores the shared heritage of the French Caribbean and the broader Creole world.
Charles’ ability to marry heritage with innovation continues to garner acclaim. His latest album, Creole Orchestra, topped charts for seven weeks, while his Earth Tones project premiered to critical acclaim earlier this year.
‘We as Trinidadians have so many French Caribbean influences. Just go up Paramin! Carenage, Laventille, Beau Sejour, Petit Bourg-we have so many French names for places here,’ he explained.
‘Our Carnival showcases so much of that French Caribbean heritage – – Dame Lorraine, jab molassie, bois, pierrot grenade-all are remnants of those influences. For me, it sits in my subconscious when I write. Rhythms from Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana are a big part of how I communicate my cultural ancestry through music.’
A lifelong educator and advocate
As a professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, Charles is equally committed to preserving Caribbean traditions through education and mentorship.
‘Cultures always evolve. Education keeps cultural history alive and provides a grounding for us to know where we come from,’ he said. ‘Without education, whether structured or not, we risk losing big chunks of our artistic identity. This is why I continue my work at the University of Miami while also carrying out my educational outreach initiatives in T& T every time I come home.’
During an outreach visit to the Lady Hochoy Home and St Jude’s School for Girls in T& T last year, Charles witnessed music’s transformative power.
‘At Lady Hochoy, they danced and sang along all afternoon. At St Jude’s, they were disengaged at first. Then I asked if anyone wanted to sing with us,’ he beamed. ‘They started teaching us their favourite songs, and more and more of them joined in. They didn’t want it to end.’
Through projects like Critical Mas, a collective of young artistes emerging from incarceration, Charles uses music to inspire and uplift. ‘Music lifts people. It can be a time machine, taking you back or forward, in or out, up or down. But your mind is going somewhere when you listen or play it,’ he reflected.
Looking to play a mas
he French honour caps off a blockbuster year for Charles, which included sold-out shows at Jazz at Lincoln Center and a promotion to professor at the University of Miami. In 2025, Charles plans to once again bring live brass to Trinidad Carnival with Folklore, a collaboration with visual artist Miles Regis, integrating extended reality technology to immerse masqueraders in the experience.
‘ Folklore 2025 will be a movie!’ he exclaimed. ‘We’re incorporating extended reality technology to make it more immersive for the masqueraders and bystanders. Mas is a great way to communicate our history through art. And we’ll be bringing it full on with live brass Carnival Monday.’
Charles is also preparing for ‘Road March in Concert Part II’ on February 6, where he will continue to celebrate and innovate his sound. Reflecting on his legacy, Charles concluded: ‘I want Caribbean artistes to know that the world is ready for them. Our music, art, stories, cultures, food, style, and language bring joy, depth, and vivid colour to so many spaces. I encourage everyone to bring their original sounds out into the world but also to teach people, home and abroad, about our legends by celebrating their work as well.’
Whether it’s an old story or one that has never been written, getting the picture, scene, movements, and characters in my imagination makes it a more palpable piece.
