Meet Jessie Woo: The Haitian Powerhouse Changing the Game
Photo courtesy of Jessie Woo
written by Carolyn Correia
Artist, content creator and musician, Jessie Woo credits her Haitian heritage in everything she does. Whether it’s simply a phrase in Creole when working on a project or posting content to social media about political and social issues, she feels it’s necessary because of the misinformation circulating about Haitians.
Though some may shy away from talking openly about their dual culture, the content creator shares with Caribbean Collective why it’s important that she uses her platform to dispel the stigmas, xenophobia and racism associated with this negative narrative created in the media.
“I want people to come across me, see me as a Haitian woman, and think: Wow, that’s not what I was told to expect from a Haitian person!” Woo says.
Woo points out that people will go out of their way to learn Spanish, but won’t learn Creole—even though it was spread throughout the Caribbean to connect us. She says Creole is the language of our ancestors and it deserves respect.
“We as Haitians have been demonized and dehumanized in extreme ways. We’re not out here eating cats and dogs. We’re not responsible for spreading AIDS, like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) claimed back in the ’80s and ’90s. We are more than a monolith and the stereotypes created in the media!”
Woo says it’s a natural inclination to be proud of her heritage as far back as she can remember and she’s going to continue doing so. For example, one tradition about Haiti she would love for people to know about is Soup Joumou on January 1st, which is pumpkin soup. But much more than that, as it is their Independence soup. She explains that on January 1st, 1804, Haiti won the revolution and became the first Black republic. Pumpkin and squash were considered delicacies that slaves weren’t allowed to eat. So when they gained independence, Haitians cooked and ate Soup Joumou to celebrate freedom.
“Every Haitian around the world drinks it on January first. I think not just Haitians should celebrate that with us—but all Black people—and really anyone who believes in freedom and equality.”
The actress and singer also regrets the omission of Haiti in the mainstream media, even in Caribbean spaces like the Caribbean Music Awards, where there was a lack of Haitian representation.
“Jamaica and Trinidad are always centered, but Haitians and others often get sidelined. We need more representation in mainstream media, yes. But we also need more unity within the Caribbean itself. We need to celebrate and uplift each other.”
Life Lessons and Advice
On her podcast ‘Jess a Couple Things with Jessie Woo’, the content creator talks about what she desires, whether it is shows she’s currently watching, family issues, friendships, or what is going on in the industry. She declares she has never been interested in following the crowd or chasing trends on social media and stays authentic by focusing on things that matter to her—the permanent issues and ideas to create a spark versus a fleeting trend.
Woo has so many lessons to impart to the ones now coming up. On an episode of Love & Hip-Hop: Miami, she revealed her own experience with sexual assault in the industry.
“When I was younger, I was so optimistic. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I’d paid attention to. Nothing I did warranted the abuse I experienced. But if I could go back and give advice to my younger self or women navigating the entertainment space, or any male-dominated space, it would be this…”
Listen to your gut.
Go home when your spirit and intuition tells you to go home.
Don’t force yourself to do what everyone else is doing.
Whenever possible, don’t go into vulnerable situations alone—bring someone you trust.
She warns young women about the dark, almost demonic nature of the music industry and the compromises other people are making to get ahead. The singer reflects on the changes in the industry with artists having more avenues to showcase their talent and exercise more control over their careers. She says, notwithstanding how different her journey would have been if she were 18 today and now starting out, she is grateful for the wisdom she gained through her experiences, as she is a survivor.
One such experience the singer and actress recalls from her younger years is trying to stay awake, since studio sessions in Miami usually started late—midnight or 1 a.m. She explains that people would get in straight from the club, intoxicated or high, with sessions running until 5 or 6 in the morning, and a seemingly innocent question was posed to her,
“So, what are you doing after this?”
“I should have had better boundaries. I should have been okay saying, “No, I’m not coming. I’m going home.”
The singer admits she fell into that trap of thinking that if she doesn’t hang out or go along, she won’t be invited back or get another shot. The mindset of trying to keep up with everyone was a mistake, but back then, she was afraid of rejection. Today, she says thank you to anyone who rejects her because she has boundaries, as she declares rejection is protection!
[Additional Read: Shenseea, Vybz Kartel and Bad Bunny Shine at Caribbean Music Awards 2025]
Woo warns young women that studios can be dangerous since you might go in with good intentions, but the other person may not share those intentions. She says having someone with you can stop things from going too far. She adds that the industry and society in general often celebrate predators, but victims are the ones who carry the shame, while predators are given grace and understanding.
“People sometimes include religion and say ‘give them grace, forgive them’. Meanwhile, there’s little or no grace for victims. This comes from misogyny, and especially misogynoir when it comes to Black women. Violence against women has been normalized so much that we are desensitized to it. And it’s not just men—sometimes women internalize that same hate toward other women.”
Her Inspiration
Woo’s Mom was a choir director who she boasts “sings like a bird.” Her parents met at church with her mother preaching, her father quiet and once with a voice reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass.
“Of course, when you hear your parents singing, naturally you want to do it too,” the artist remarks.
Woo was always singing ever since she could remember and admits her mother preferred her music to be Christian-based, since much like most Haitian Moms, she is a very religious person. She believes that once she’s using her talent, she is glorifying God. The singer learns her Bible principles from her mother and refers to Proverbs 18:16, where it says your talent will make room for you, opening doors to glorify God and fulfill your purpose. The singer explains to Caribbean Collective that that is exactly what’s happening.
Milestones and What’s Ahead
Woo is going places and some of the most rewarding projects she’s worked on thus far in her career are co-hosting the BET Awards pre-show. Her talent has led her full circle, as years ago she remembers asking Terrence J for a picture, to which he politely said no. However, last year she starred in a movie alongside him as his love interest; she co-hosted both the NAACP’s red carpet show and the BET Awards with him.
“I grew up watching the BET Awards, and I started working at BET in 2017. It took me eight years to get there. A lot of people think things happen overnight, but it doesn’t.”
Another high point is her YouTube channel. She loves connecting with people from all over the world, whether it’s talking about “Love Is Blind, Love Island,” or live watch parties. She hosted: “A Love Island” viewing party in Brooklyn, which saw the line wrapped around two blocks!
The actress, singer and content creator is still figuring out where she wants to be in the next few years, but she does, however, give us a sneak peek. She shares that she’s working on some scripts—including an animated Haitian story and a couple of thrillers. She also wants to create more music, perform in intimate settings and grow her podcast to include more live shows.
“My main goal is simple: to keep using my talents to pay my bills. That’s been my prayer, and God hasn’t failed me yet,” Woo says.
