Karizma

Born In/Current Location :	New York City
Occupation(s) :	Band
Genres :	Compas Direct

Karizma is an eight piece live Haitian-American band based in New York. Wanting to create a name that translates the same in any language that truly reflects the band; the founders came up with Karizma. The band sound is a blend of soulful Compas Direct, Haiti’s most popular dance genre; with a pop/R&B flavor that give rise to an infectious dance beats. Karizma is led by the dynamic duo Emmery Etienne (lead singer) and Jean Napoleon (lead guitar). Who met soon after the band was formed and immediately formed a musical bond and a tight friendship followed.

The floating cast of characters that make up, Karizma’s line up comprises of Emmery Etienne (Vocals/Songwriter), Jean Napoleon Jr.”Jay R” (Guitar), Daniel Paul (Keyboard), Jodanny Petit Frere (Keyboard), Richard Augustin (Bass), Louissaint Beliard (Drums), Davidson Bastien (Congas Drum), and Blanchner Auguste (Percussionist).

This young and vibrant group of musicians all started their musical career in the local gospel churches in the New York City Metropolitan area which they still go back and support by performing when ever they can. They all grew up under the heavy influence of Konpa music, which makes them more than qualified to play with the heavy weights in the music industry.

Karizma’s debut album, “Day One (Na’l Pou Yon)” was released on June 17, 2011 to critical acclaim, and during that same week they debuted to a sold-out audience at Area Lounge in Queens, New York. Thereafter, the band went to tour some of the great countries and cities in the world from cities right here in the US to Montreal, Canada and Paris, France, Haiti, Dominican Republic and more.

Karizma has shared stages at some legendary musical venues such as BB Kings, SOBs, with some of the best World Music artist within their musical realm and has played at some prestigious events such as Compas Festival, Montreal Festival, La Nuit des Jeunes, Pre Labor Festival, Compas in Vegas. With Kevin Little, Gyptian, Cassa Bresillia, Tabou Combo, CaRiMi, Alan Cave, Daan Junior, J Perry, T-Vice, Kreyol La, Nu Look and many more R&B, Gospel, and Hip Hop? The bandmates came together in middle of 2010 while attending studio sessions in New York under the direction of their general manager and founder Rene Devis. Thereafter Karizma issued their first single in Summer of 2010?

Current and Past Members
Keys: Jodanny Petit-frere
Congas: Davidson Bastien
Percussion: Auguste Blanchner
Drums: Louissant Beliard
Lead Vocal: Emmery Etienne
Lead Vocals: James C. Clermont
Maestro/Keys: Roody Delpe
Keys: Daniel Paul
Keys: Guy Brice
Guitarist: Jean Napoleon
Guitarist: Kendal
Congas: Davidson Bastien
Bass Guitar: Richard Augustin

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