How a high school dropout from Saint-Hubert redefined the sound of dance music
In short: Before winning two Grammys and touring the globe, Louis Kevin Celestin was a teenager in Quebec teaching himself production. From sampling Earth, Wind & Fire to becoming a pioneer for Black, queer artists in electronic music, his journey from Kaytradamus to Kaytranada is a masterclass in sonic evolution.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Louis Kevin Celestin moved to Saint-Hubert, near Montreal, as an infant. His path to musical prominence began in 2010 under the alias Kaytradamus. A pivotal moment arrived in 2014 when his brother, Lou Phelps, introduced him to FL Studio. This spark led Celestin to drop out of high school to pursue music full-time, driven by a need to support his family financially. His early creative experiments included his first sample of the song 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire when he was 15. His father supported the family through work as an estate agent and taxi driver.
His rise was marked by rapid stylistic and professional shifts. After transitioning to the name Kaytranada in 2012, he achieved overnight success on SoundCloud with a rework of Janet Jackson's 'If' in 2013. By 2014, he signed with XL Recordings, eventually releasing his critically acclaimed debut, 99.9%, in 2016. This era also saw him navigating profound personal challenges, as he publicly discussed the mental health struggles and identity crises stemming from coming out as a gay man. During 2015, he even performed for two nights supporting Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour across North America. He also entered a production partnership with the legendary Rick Rubin during this period.
Celestin's impact on the industry is cemented by historic accolades. His 2019 project, Bubba, earned him the Best Dance/Electronic Album trophy at the 2021 Grammys, making him the inaugural openly gay artist and Black producer to achieve this victory. His discography continues to expand through high-profile collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg, and recent announcements include his fourth studio album, Ain't No Damn Way!, scheduled for release in August 2025. Beyond his solo work, he is a member of the hip hop duo the Celestics alongside his brother. His recent single 'Space Invader' features a sample from Latrelle and Kelis.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kaytranada
- Also: Wikidata — Kaytranada · CC0
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