Patiently Waiting
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or years, the term “Zoe” has been used as an expression of endearment amongst people of Haitian decent. But according to Florida rookie Black Dada, his breakthrough single “I’mma Zoe” is more than a song that pertains to his Haitian roots. It’s a song that can represent anyone that’s been through a struggle. “If you’re somebody that’s been through a lot, and has still been able to overcome, no matter what it was, you’re a Zoe,” the singer explains. “Being that we were considered as slaves first, we were able to overcome all of that, and be on top, where in a sense, we run the US, when it was something that people thought it’d never happen. But that’s what a Zoe is, what [Barack] Obama did. But at the same time it’s a Haitian root word.” Long before our president was Black, Dada was born in Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. His father, a welder, and mother, a nurse aide, first left Haiti when Dada was five-years-old and two years later, their family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Growing up, Dada’s love for music and singing in the church choir lead the Broward County vocalist to pursue a career in music. He began performing throughout South Florida, and built relationships with artists like Ace Hood, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy and Iconz Music.
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Once Florida’s Haiti community caught wind of “I’mma Zoe,” his single quickly became a Haitian anthem throughout the Sunshine State. Dada signed with Miami indie label Strictly Business Records (also home to standout Miami rapper Redd Eyez), and due to his single’s continued growth, coupled with a winning Wild Out Wednesday performance on BET’s 106 & Park, major labels started calling. Universal, Atlantic, Def Jam and Warner Bros. all showed interest, but in the end Dada inked a deal with Universal Republic. He’s currently working on his debut album, tentatively titled, F.L.A. (First Love and Addiction), and with all eyes on Black Dada, the Florida neophyte is aiming to use the attention to unite the state that raised him. “I want to rep Florida to the fullest,” he says. “I wanna start a Florida movement, instead of Dade County [and] Broward County. We need to merge the shit together and make it big, and become the next New York and Atlanta.” Zoes and Floridian citizens should be proud. Words by Randy Roper Photo by David Rosario