Author: Opastaff
This year’s 6th Annual Music en Folie, presented by Rhum Barbancourt, Unibank, and Le Nouvelliste, unfolded over the weekend of November 12-13 at Cercle Bellevue, marking another significant milestone in the Haitian music festival scene. Despite a slightly lower turnout compared to last year, the event attracted thousands of music lovers and showcased a vibrant tapestry of musical and artistic talent. Saturday Highlights: The festival kicked off on Saturday morning with an array of performances that captivated the early attendees. The day was packed with a diverse lineup including B12, B.I.C. Trinity, Mamina, and Les amis de la priere. Adding…
Fabrice Rouzier, a name synonymous with innovation in the Haitian music industry, has made an indelible mark over the past two decades as a pianist, producer, and entrepreneur. His journey is a rich tapestry of artistic milestones, characterized by his pivotal role in shaping the “Nouvelle Generation Konpa” during the mid-80s to early 90s. Fabrice has not only contributed to over 300 albums but also played a crucial role in launching the careers of many of Haiti’s musical luminaries including Emeline Michel, Michel Martelly, and Beethova Obas, among others. Opa Music:: Somewhere I’ve read that you started playing music at…
In a world where bearing the weight of others’ struggles and dreams can be overwhelming, Bélo has crafted an album that captures both with precision and heart. His debut project, Lakou Trankil, does not shy away from bold themes of love, hardship, and social reality, all set against the backdrop of reggae-infused rhythms. This ambitious work stands apart in Haiti’s trendy music scene, where many young artists are often swept up by the chase for fame. Instead, Bélo focuses on originality, setting himself apart as a unique voice in the Haitian music landscape. Produced by Soley Sounds, a new but…
Ram was formed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in the summer of 1990. Richard Morse, an American-born, third generation Haitian performer, founded the band by blending his western musical background with the pulsing rhythms of Haitian folkloric traditions. The rhythms and melodies are a testament to Haiti’s African Heritage, further expanded due to intermingling with the native Indians of Haiti during the colonial slave period. Click here for Ram’s Bio. Opa: I read somewhere that you went to Haiti to study “voodoo drum” is that true? RM: I was a musician living in New York. My mother, Emerante de Pradines, is Haitian…
New York, N.Y. – October 5, 2005 – Haitian recording artist Michel Martelly, popularly known as Sweet Mickey, has been charged with assaulting a New York promoter, Jean Dominique, during an incident at the Pre-Kanaval fest in Long Island last month. The altercation, which reportedly arose from a contract dispute, has led to legal actions, with Martelly currently awaiting a court date. According to court documents and the promoter’s statement, the incident occurred on September 5, 2005, at the corner of Ditmas Avenue and 93rd Street in Brooklyn. Dominique alleges that Martelly struck him during a heated exchange over contractual…
On October 4, 2005, the Konpa music industry was shocked to hear Princess Georgy of the band Hangout was terminated from the band. According to sources close to the band, the decision was made after the majority of the band voted for her to leave during a meeting she failed to assist. Her dismissal came immediately following the meeting. VIA HAND DELIVERY Ms. Georgy Metellus Dear Georgy Metellus: This letter serves as a confirmation of our discussion and decision to terminate your employment with Hangout, effective immediately. You have received several disciplinary notices within the past six months in conjunction…
Actual letter at the end. In a surprising turn of events within the Konpa music industry, Princess Georgy, a prominent member of the band Hangout, has been officially terminated from the group. The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the music community, was finalized after a majority vote by band members during a meeting that Georgy did not attend. According to a letter delivered to Georgy Metellus, signed by Rulx Jerome, it was stated that her termination was effective immediately. The letter detailed several issues leading up to this decision, including multiple disciplinary notices and discussions regarding Georgy’s behavior over…
On November 14, 1979, a significant schism within Bossa Combo, occurring during the drummer’s 25th birthday, led to the formation of “Accolade de New York” while recording the album “Racines” at the legendary Power Station in New York. This pivotal moment in the band’s history required the urgent intervention of Haitian promoter and producer Frédéric “Fred” Paul of Mini Records to salvage the project. From this album, Mario notably collaborated with Jean-Claude Desgrottes on “Septième Commandement” and contributed to hits like “Permane” and “L’An 2000.” After this split, the drummer-composer returned to his ensemble in Port-au-Prince on December 20, following…
September 27, 2005 – In a revealing turn of events, Freddy, the former lead singer of the celebrated band Top Vice, has announced his plans to continue using the band’s name as he ventures into a new chapter in his musical career. In his latest initiative, he has partnered with the renowned drummer Tuco Bouzi, previously of Dixie Band, in an effort to recapture and enhance the legacy of Top Vice. In a candid interview with Sony Belanfom, Freddy opened up about the internal conflicts that led to the dissolution of the original Top Vice lineup. He shared that the…
Last week on Friday, a press conference was held at Brasserie Creole in Queens, NY, to address serious allegations against three individuals accused of bootlegging DVDs and CDs from Florida for profit in New York. The event provided an opportunity for the accused to respond to the claims made against them. Yvon from Tele Diaspo in Boston detailed the allegations: Doff Chancy was apprehended at Delta Airways with 100 copies of the movie “VIP,” 85 copies of “Tolalito,” 100 copies of “Plezi Detay,” and 6 copies of “Twoubadou Vol.1.” The merchandise was meant to be shipped via cargo, but due…