Gaston Germain CALIXTE

CHABEN

(1922 – 1987)

Was born on february the 1st of 1922 in Port-Louis (Guadeloupe), died in march 1987.

A pipe stuck on his lips… CHABEN was definitely a symbol.

As a singer and song-writer he made his mark with distinctive lyrics, his sense of improvisation fitted in perfectly with the Gwo Ka singers community.

He released a few albums featuring Vélo, Arthème BOISBANT (Témo) or Robert LOYSON.

Some people saw him as a poet depicting gualoupean people daily life with its good and bad experiences.

His songs were often dedicated to the women who inspired him as much as the guadeloupean people misfortune did.

Despite a sorrowful childhood, life gave him a second chance with his singing while taking him to the ups and downs in showbusiness.