Henri Debs enjoyed an extraordinary career. Describing himself as “100% Guadeloupean, of Lebanese origin and French nationality”, he was born and based in Guadeloupe, a ‘French overseas region’ in the southern Caribbean, where he worked as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, producer and as a businessman who transformed the music scene of the French Caribbean. Starting out with a two-track tape machine in the back of his clothing store, he went on to run a state-of-the-art studio, a nightclub, music shops in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Paris, and to found a record label that has released over 200 albums, covering an impressive range of Caribbean styles.

Three sets of re-releases provide a reminder of the variety and quality of the Disques Debs catalogue. Mizik Maladi, the third Debs compilation from Strut, is a 14-track set that includes the glorious ‘Testaman’ by Te Seles, an exponent of traditional Afro-Caribbean gwoka styles, with his compelling, authoritative voice matched against drumming and growling bass. In contrast, there’s the kadans dance music of Expérience 7, with driving vocals matched against keys and a sturdy bass line. And there’s the country’s best-known zouk exponents, Kassav’, here in the company of singer Jocelyn Mocka for the album’s title-track, another bass-heavy dance song that could still be a favourite for club DJs. And there’s Henri Debs himself, joined by Max Séverin in the Max et Henri duo, breezing through the charming ‘Sé Pou Demen’.

Then, there are two album re-releases from Debs Music Studio. From 1968, there’s Emmanuel Paines, with his easy-going, brass-backed selection of calypsos and beguine (a blend of West African and French influences). Even better, from back in 1963, there’s the Henri Debs Quintet with a four-track recording of brass-dominated dance music with a Guadeloupe edge that starts with the gloriously cheerful instrumental ‘Douce Kombass’. Debs died in 2013, leaving his son Riko to take over, and this is a fascinating reminder of a great musical legacy.