Haitian-born singer, songwriter, and model Valandia Sunshine De Fontus, with a background in gospel, jazz, R&B, and Caribbean music, mesmerized patrons at the 5th Annual Holiday Fundraising Gala by the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG) on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The event, held at Naomi Suite on Avenue D in Canarsie, Brooklyn, supported 2026 Community Cultural Pageant contestants with personal development and scholarships.
De Fontus, 29 and CACG’s 2017 first runner-up, received rave reviews for her performances of “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion, and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
De Fontus, 29 and CACG’s 2017 first runner-up, received rave reviews for her performances of “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion, and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
“Both songs were very well received,” she told Caribbean Life exclusively. “The audience was attentive and emotionally engaged, and I could truly feel the connection in the room.
“At first, I felt a bit nervous, which is normal for me before stepping on stage,” she added. “However, once I began singing, that feeling quickly faded, and I felt completely at home.
“At first, I felt a bit nervous, which is normal for me before stepping on stage,” she added. “However, once I began singing, that feeling quickly faded, and I felt completely at home.
“The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with encouragement, which allowed me to relax and truly enjoy the moment,” De Fontus continued. “What made the experience especially meaningful was how familiar it felt. I first performed with CACG about eight years ago, and that same sense of community, love, and support was still present.
“After my performance, many people came up to congratulate me, which meant a great deal to me,” she said.
“After my performance, many people came up to congratulate me, which meant a great deal to me,” she said.
Reflecting on her artistic beginnings, De Fontus shared that she has been singing since she was 14 years old.
She has performed in churches and at social events, including private functions, galas, and community gatherings.
Though versed in gospel, jazz, R&B, and Caribbean music, she has recently expanded into studio recordings and original work.
She has released “Where the Love Gone” and later “It’s About Time,” continuing to perform and grow creatively.
She has released “Where the Love Gone” and later “It’s About Time,” continuing to perform and grow creatively.
De Fontus began her pageantry career with CACG in 2017 and, while she has not officially competed since, remains open to future participation.
“I have remained active in fashion and modeling, using skills cultivated through CACG,” De Fontus said. “CACG plays a powerful role in empowering young women by helping them discover their talents, build confidence, and step beyond their comfort zones. My experience taught me confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
“I have remained active in fashion and modeling, using skills cultivated through CACG,” De Fontus said. “CACG plays a powerful role in empowering young women by helping them discover their talents, build confidence, and step beyond their comfort zones. My experience taught me confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
While she does not hold an official title with CACG, De Fontus said her role has always been rooted in service and support.
“I contribute through singing, modeling, and creative collaboration,” she said.
“I contribute through singing, modeling, and creative collaboration,” she said.
De Fontus stated that working alongside Damian McIntosh, owner and master photographer of DMC Photo Studios and an advisor to CACG, has helped her grow creatively, including the development of skills in photography and visual storytelling.
“I am deeply grateful for CACG and encourage young women to participate,” she said. “It is a transformative experience that uncovers confidence, purpose, and potential.”
De Fontus was born on Sept. 12, 1996, in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, Haiti, to Dr. Luc Lefort Fontus and Marie Vénite Volcin.
De Fontus was born on Sept. 12, 1996, in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, Haiti, to Dr. Luc Lefort Fontus and Marie Vénite Volcin.
Growing up, she excelled academically, consistently ranking among the top students throughout her education.
Deeply rooted in Haiti’s vibrant cultural traditions, De Fontus said she developed a passion for the arts that spans singing, music, dance, and theater.
Deeply rooted in Haiti’s vibrant cultural traditions, De Fontus said she developed a passion for the arts that spans singing, music, dance, and theater.
She began performing publicly at 14, often with her twin brother Léonard Vency De Fontus and her younger brother Lesny Valdony Lefort De Fontus, who also love creative expression.
A natural polyglot, De Fontus is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, English, and Spanish, and conversational in Italian.
A natural polyglot, De Fontus is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, English, and Spanish, and conversational in Italian.
She said music is more than performance —”it represents freedom, authenticity, cultural preservation, and service to the community.”
De Fontus, who has shared several vocal covers across YouTube and social media platforms, is currently working on a Caribbean music collaboration with artists from Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
She said her artistic journey reflects both “creative versatility and a commitment to cultural connection.”
Beyond the arts, De Fontus studies electrical engineering, driven by her aptitude for numbers, logic, and problem-solving.
Beyond the arts, De Fontus studies electrical engineering, driven by her aptitude for numbers, logic, and problem-solving.
She maintains an active lifestyle, embracing the flavors, rhythms, and traditions of Caribbean culture, especially through dance and food.
Guided by warmth, openness, and a “deep belief in freedom,” De Fontus continues to grow as both an artist and a cultural ambassador.
Guided by warmth, openness, and a “deep belief in freedom,” De Fontus continues to grow as both an artist and a cultural ambassador.
