Who was Fayo?
Acadian folk rock singer Mario “Fayo” LeBlanc lived in southeastern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. He had a career in music from the late 1990s until 2024. Known for the poetry of his lyrics and the sincerity in his voice, he expressed himself naturally, in French, Chiac, or Acadian.
In September 2024, Fayo passed away after a short illness. In 2025, spearheaded by his family, a group of collaborators and friends came together in keeping with his wishes to complete and release a posthumous EP as well as this website.
“He leaves behind a body of work marked by great simplicity and authenticity.”
– Sylvie Mousseau, l’Acadie Nouvelle, September 30, 2024
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A Posthumous EP : Ma valise
Ma valise was recorded in the winter of 2022 in Charlottetown, PEI, with artists Pascal Miousse and Pastelle LeBlanc (1980-2022) from the band Vishten. This project, which was to be Fayo’s fourth solo album, was unfortunately put on hold after the death of Pastelle LeBlanc, who was co-producing the project.
Fayo’s family was able to release the EP in October 2025, a little more than a year after his passing. It features three original songs, the title track, Ma valise, a new composition, as well as Jean Sans Abri and Allons-y Alonzo, which have been reworked into a more rock style that reflects the project’s sonic evolution.
The EP Ma valise has an “Acadian Southern Rock” sound. Fayo is supported by a full band (electric guitar, drums, keyboards).
Credits: Ma valise
The songs on Ma valise are original compositions by Mario A. LeBlanc, who also wrote the lyrics. Co-produced and arranged by Pastelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse.
In addition to Mario A. LeBlanc on guitar and vocals, the album features : Donny Chapman on drums, Nick Gauthier on guitar, Rémi Arsenault on bass, Pastelle LeBlanc on keyboards and vocals, Pascal Miousse on electric and acoustic guitar, and Emmanuelle LeBlanc on vocals. Pat Brunet designed the album cover with a childhood photo of the LeBlanc family.
His Music
During his career, Fayo released three solo albums: La fiève des fêves (2001), Accent aigu (2006), and Fayo (2012).
His songs deal with everyday life, and he was often referred to as the “poet of everyday life.” Fayo’s music has shaped the musical landscape of Acadie and French Canada.
Mario LeBlanc, the Poet
Mario LeBlanc has always recounted his daily life and that of the people around him. Very early on, he discovered that his writing allowed him to express his creativity, which he transformed into songs and poems.
He released a collection of poetry entitled Taches de naissance (birthmarks) in 1999 (Perce-Neige editions).
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Archives and Resources
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