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Known in the Haitian Music Industry as Pè GiGit, Guetary Roche is a founding member of the 718 Boyz, a band that has been steadily carving out its own lane for the past two years. With their debut album making waves and performances scheduled alongside big names like Djakout Mizik, 718 Boyz are proving themselves as more than just another new group on the scene. In this candid conversation, Pè GiGit opened up about the band’s beginnings, the challenges of promotion, the departure of members, and his own nickname that has left fans curious.
Cheyna: How long has 718 been in existence?
Pè GiGit: The band has been around for two years now.
Cheyna: Who formed the band?
Pè GiGit: I did.
Cheyna: How did the Doctor get involved?
Pè GiGit: I created the band and later met Dr. Bristol. He told me he was interested in a band, so I told him about 718 Boyz. He became a partner, and he’s been supporting us ever since.
Cheyna: How are album sales going?
Pè GiGit: The album sales are doing great.
Cheyna: What’s your favorite song on the album?
Pè GiGit: My favorite song is Vakans. Not because I wrote it, but because it’s a summertime song, and since it’s summer, I identify with it more.
Cheyna: I noticed most of the promotion for the album is being done on the internet. Don’t you think you should also try other avenues?
Pè GiGit: The promotion could have been better, I admit. Some of the members are not on the same page, which is really sad to say. There’s no unity, and for it to work, there has to be unity. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the situation right now.
Cheyna: When are you scheduled to start playing officially?
Pè GiGit: We have a gig scheduled with Djakout Mizik in Florida and another one with Djakout in New York. As soon as we start, we’re booked every weekend after that. Our first party should be in two weeks, and at that event, we’ll be performing by ourselves.
Cheyna: At what venue will that party take place?
Pè GiGit: It’s going to be at Brassie Creole.
Cheyna: I know the group had a couple of female singers before. What happened to them?
Pè GiGit: They’re still here.
Cheyna: What are they, giggers? Because their pictures aren’t featured on the album cover.
Pè GiGit: One of the girls is a medical student, and she’s caught up in her studies. The other one is still with us.
Cheyna: What happened to Barbara?
Pè GiGit: Barbara left the band to pursue her education. Currently, there are two girls in the band, their names are Wudza and Paola.
Cheyna: Where do you see 718 in two years?
Pè GiGit: I don’t like to make predictions, but I will say this: there will always be a 718 Boyz. The band is more like an institution.
Cheyna: Here’s the lighter side of the interview, Mr. GiGit. Where did you get the name Pè GiGit? Could it be you’ve been hanging around Sweet Micky too much?
Pè GiGit: (laughing) Actually, it was an American girl I dated who started the name. She couldn’t pronounce my real name, so she called me Gito. The name stuck among my friends, who shortened it to GiGit. The “Pè” part is for respect. You know in Haitian culture, when you respect someone, you sometimes refer to them as Pè.
Cheyna: Are you related to Micky? A lot of people are under the impression you two are family.
Pè GiGit: No, I’m not related to Micky, but we’re good friends.
Cheyna: Oh, I see (smiling). Boxers or briefs?
Pè GiGit: Neither.
Cheyna: Okay… are you married or do you have a girlfriend?
Pè GiGit: (jokingly) I have a girlfriend and I’m married.
Cheyna: This is on the record. Even though you’re joking, you might want to retract that.
Pè GiGit: I’m joking. Yes, I’m married.
Cheyna: Do you have any kids?
Pè GiGit: Yes, I have two daughters.
Cheyna: Thanks for talking with us, and we wish you and the Boyz the best.
Pè GiGit: You’re welcome, and thank you.
Closing Note
As the driving force behind the 718 Boyz, Guetary Roche, better known as Pè GiGit, shows both resilience and vision. While he admits challenges remain within the group, his commitment to the band as an “institution” highlights his long-term dedication to the craft. With their mix of fresh talent and veteran collaboration, 718 Boyz continues to evolve and expand its presence in the Haitian Music Industry. For Pè GiGit, the focus is on unity, persistence, and keeping the music alive for both current fans and the next generation.
