Francis Mercier releases debut album lakay (home) during hï ibiza residency
The Haitian DJ and producer’s 20-track debut features collaborations with Wyclef Jean, Robin S, Kah-Lo, Mahmut Orhan, Emmanuel Jal and more, celebrating the cultures that have shaped his journey.
Francis Mercier has released his long-awaited debut album, Lakay (Home), marking a milestone in the career of one of the most recognisable names in the global Afro house movement.
Arriving via his own Solèy imprint while Mercier continues his summer residency at Hï Ibiza, the 20-track project is his most personal work to date, exploring the idea of home through the lens of a life spent touring the world.
“Lakay,” which means “home” in Haitian Creole, draws directly from Mercier’s upbringing in Port-au-Prince while embracing the cultures, sounds and communities that have welcomed him throughout his career. The result is an album that moves fluidly between Afro house, melodic electronica and globally inspired rhythms, reflecting the multicultural identity that has become synonymous with both the artist and his label.
“It is a tribute to every corner of the world that has welcomed me like home,” Mercier says.
The album brings together an extensive list of collaborators spanning multiple continents and musical traditions. Among its standout moments are the uplifting ‘Take Me Home’ alongside Wyclef Jean and Kah-Lo, a fresh interpretation of Robin S’ classic ‘Show Me Love (Devotion)’, the club-ready ‘Champagne’ with MASSALA and LexBlaze, and the viral smash ‘Sadete’ with Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan. Having reached No. 6 in the Shazam Global Viral Chart last week, ‘Sadete’ exemplifies the global appeal of the record, as it’s currently charting in 33 countries around the world.
Rather than approaching collaboration as a commercial exercise, Lakay feels intentionally curated, pairing established artists with emerging voices to reflect Mercier’s vision of electronic music as a meeting point between cultures rather than genres.
That philosophy extends beyond the music itself. Released through Solèy, Mercier’s own label, the project embodies the community-first ethos that has defined the brand since its inception. Named after the Haitian Creole word for “sun,” Solèy has grown beyond a record label into a global platform promoting cultural exchange through music, events and philanthropy.
Outside the studio, Mercier has also expanded that vision through initiatives including Solèy FC, a community football platform that combines sport, culture and fundraising, with previous events supporting charitable organisations including the Lebanese Red Cross.
The release arrives during one of the busiest periods of Mercier’s career. Alongside his Monday residency at Hï Ibiza, he continues to take the Solèy concept around the world with dates in Mykonos, Egypt, Lebanon and Los Angeles throughout the summer.
Having amassed more than 500 million streams, performed everywhere from Coachella and Tomorrowland to the Pyramids of Giza, and collaborated with artists across electronic, pop and world music, Lakay (Home) represents less of a debut than a statement of identity, one built around the idea that home is defined not by geography, but by the people, cultures and experiences encountered along the way.
