Best and Worst of 2004 in the HMI

From unforgettable performances to jaw-dropping controversies, 2004 gave the Haitian Music Industry plenty to talk about. Some artists and bands rose to the occasion, setting trends and raising the bar, while others made headlines for all the wrong reasons. As we close out the year, here’s a look back at the best and worst of 2004.

Best Dressed Female
D’sire 3 – These ladies always dress the part, never missing an opportunity to turn the HMI stage into a runway. If only they put as much effort into releasing new music, they’d have ten albums on the market by now.

Best Dressed Male
This was a tough one. While many complain about musicians not dressing up, there are those who consistently show style. Pouchon (Djakout), Gracia Delva (Mass Kompa), and Arly Larivière (Nu Look) deserve recognition, but the crown once again goes to King Kino, who has held this spot for years without missing a beat.

Best Trendsetter
Gazzman Pierre (Nu Look) – Love it or hate it, his bold hair color and fearless style turned heads all year. He takes risks unapologetically, and his influence is undeniable. Just three years ago, Gracia Delva was the most copied artist, but in 2004, that title belongs to Gazzman.

Best Costume at a Festival
T-Vice – At the Konpa Festival in Miami this past May, T-Vice went all out by channeling Toussaint Louverture. Other bands tried, but no one came close to topping their patriotic display.

Best Dressed Group
Hangout – Their red-and-white theme got repetitive after a while, but the effort was there. The band’s style brought back memories of when Tabou Combo and Skah Shah made it a point to look sharp on stage.

Worst Dressed Female
Princess Georgy – Her questionable fashion choices secured this one. From the red crotch look to uneven pant legs and recycled halter tops, Georgy’s style fell flat this year. Once a trendsetter, she’s missed the mark lately.

Worst Dressed Male
Zin – Earlier this year, the group would have taken this category without question. To their credit, they’ve recently made efforts to improve, so they get an “E” for effort. Still, those shirts with all the band names printed on them won’t cut it for long.

Best New Artist of 2004
Misty Jean – She proved there’s space for female solo artists in the HMI. With talent and determination, Misty Jean opened doors for others to follow.

Best New Band
Hangout – The industry has seen “supergroups” before, often with mixed results, but Hangout made it work in 2004. Their chemistry and sound have fans excited for what’s next.

Artists Whose Bark Was Louder Than Their Bite
Manmzel – They had the recipe for success and the backing, but the big breakthrough is still missing.

Best Comeback
Tantan – Once known primarily for his time with Lakol, Tantan reemerged stronger than ever in 2004. Despite personal tragedy with the loss of his mother, he kept moving forward, winning back fans and respect.

Best Album Releases
2004 delivered solid projects. Djakout and Nu Look both impressed, while Hangout and Dega made notable contributions.

Hottest Gossip of the Year
Cleo’s baby daddy drama – A never-ending storyline that kept her in the headlines all year. While many struggle to recall her musical achievements, everyone can recite the details of her personal life.

Best Festival of the Year
Konpa Festival in Miami – Despite controversy, the festival’s success couldn’t be overshadowed.

Band Hopper of the Year
Ralph Condé – Band-hopping was rampant this year, but Condé stood out. Within twelve months, he jumped from Top Vice to Nu Look, adding to his history of moves from Papash, Vag, and Tabou Combo.

Best Catchphrases of the Year
FKD, Mannigueta, Still News, Biznis Pam, Nasty Biznis, Ki Kote’w Kanpe.

Predicted Catchphrases for 2005
Still News, Opa Opa, Ala yon vye mwen menm sa.

Song of the Year
Biznis Pam

Prediction for Next Year’s Song
Why Do U Say U Love Me

Band of the Year
Djakout Mizik – Their energy, consistency, and fanbase made them the standout band of 2004.

Shocking News Headlines

• Alix Saget, once a rapper alongside cousin Alan Cave in Zin, was reported to be among those allegedly scamming innocent homeowners.

• Gardy, former owner of Long Island’s Planet Malibu club, shot and killed his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.

• Rommel B., owner of Hangout, was shot in front of Fritz Bonheur Studio in Florida.

We Remember
This year’s tragedies shook the industry and its fans, but they also highlighted the resilience of the HMI community.

Predictions for 2005
If Djakout doesn’t release a studio album, Nu Look could secure Band of the Year. Expect Hangout to continue making noise, while Carimi may slow down slightly but remain strong. T-Vice will likely move past their polemic battles, but a new rivalry may ignite between Nu Look and Djakout. Tantan will continue his rise, though issues with his musicians may loom.

2004 gave us unforgettable music, unforgettable drama, and plenty of style hits and misses. The year proved once again that the HMI is never boring. As we head into 2005, fans can expect even bigger rivalries, hotter trends, and more surprises both on and off the stage. One thing is certain: the conversations will keep going, and the music will keep playing.