Marie Clotilde Bissainthe, known professionally as Toto Bissainthe, was born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, on April 2, 1934. She was an actress and singer known for her innovative blend of traditional Vodou and rural themes and music with contemporary lyricism and arrangements. She left Haiti at an early age to pursue acting studies abroad and began her career in theatre with the company Les Griots, of which she was a founding member in 1956. Bissainthe's music career started in 1973 when she performed at La vieille grille in Paris. Bissainthe's music often addressed the struggles and spirituality of working-class Haitians, earning her recognition as a champion of Haitian music abroad. Notable songs include "Dey" from the album Chante Haïti. Her health declined due to liver damage, leading to her death on June 4, 1994. Posthumous releases include Rétrospective (2006).
