HMI
November 7, 2018
Don’t Miss “Tout Moun Jwen” Kompa Original Radio’s Hottest Thursday Show! (Watch Now)
I came across Chantal and found her intriguing and just had to dig deeper to find out who exactly is this woman behind the microphone. Chantal Laventure aka Chantoutou is no stranger to entertainment and also the French Caribbean Community. Chantou has been doing radio as early as her “High School” days on Radio Tropical with Arios Dennis whom first discovered her voice. Arios Dennis brought her aboard his teenage talk show bringing awareness to the community. Chantou was part of a teenage panel responsible for bringing awareness to teenage issues within the community. The informative talk show was successful and came to an end when everyone upon the panel became young adults enrolled in college.
Chantal’s next challenge was television, she started her own musical talk show “Live Wire” featuring interviews with artist and upcoming artist of the Caribbean. “What was Live Wire like? Chantou answered “Well you never knew what I was going to do next. I could be at a festival or I could be having drinks at South Beach with an artist with a snake around my neck or on a yacht enjoying the scenery learning what the mine set was behind the lyrics to a newly released single. I loved it and I wanted to take this show to the next level and represent the French Caribbean on a major network.
Later Chantal received an invitation to host her own musical show on Radio Tropical. Chantou has sense returned to the airwaves and revamped her show “Tout Moun Jwen” which airs Live on Kompa Original Radio and Facebook.
“What was your experience like on Radio Tropical”? Chantou: “It was definitely different the second time around. Luckly I already had the experience preparing for a show. I didn’t want to do radio. I had to sit down in one spot. I thought that would be boring. Edens Debas and Patrick Jules had to convince me and finally I accepted. It was the best experience and I would’ve regret it if I didn’t take the chance. I was in between Bob Lemoine and Guy Ford, both whom I respect dearly. How many people can say they had the honor to sit in the same chair as these two on the number one radio at that time. Monday -Friday 4-6pm I was responsible for the content of this show. I was in between two heavy weights. Jacques the engineer was like a father and thought me the majority of what I know of radio. I had no competition I had to be able to stand tall next to these two. I am blessed to say I was heavily coached by the best and today I can walk into any studio and navigate it, not to many women can do that and I am proud of it. In matter of fact that’s what sets me apart in this male dominated industry.”
When asked Chantou, “Tout Moun Jwen toady and then what is the difference? What exactly is the idea behind this musical show? Chantou answered: “Tout Moun Jwen, then I constantly had guest on my show at the station, for some reason it’s difficult now. With social media some artist insist want I come to them. For the studio experience I raised the bar by making it fun for me and entertaining for my audience with surprise guest. Before you ask I am not a DJ I am a Radio & TV Personality and I turned this show into musical appreciation class. I am the host and entertainment, I take away your stress for a while with humor, great music and ambiance”. The difference then there were no cameras today i’m live on social media so I take advantage of that and I bring awareness to artist musical groups promoters and their events”.
“What are your plans for the future”? Chantou answered with a smile, “Hmmm 2019 let’s raise the bar higher. This year I am gong to work harder and accomplish more. I’m the best kept secret with lots of tricks up my sleeve. I will give you some news I am returning to television and I am going to do it big as I always do and did I plan on being one among many whom will give Haiti a positive image. That’s all I am going to say for now. Watch me follow me on social media @kompaoriginal on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and see what I do next trust me it’s going to be insane.”
Written by Loyd Jean-Charles
September 24, 2018
Fairwell “Belle Kord” aka Kevin Guippe
Saturday September 15, 2018 Belle Kord aka Kevin Guippe sadly announced to his fans at a live performance in West Palm Beach Florida that he would be leaving Klass. Kevin made the overall announcement his last week during rehearsal to his band mates that he would be leaving the band due to financial obligations to his family. Although he is a musician first he is a Father, which has taken priority over his musical career. Kevin Guippe has expressed that he has missed several birthdays and family occasions due to him being on the road with Klass. Kevin has been with the band since 2012 and was a valuable member musically with his distinguished attributes as a guitarist. Hence how he got his nickname “Belle Kord” (translated in English “Beautiful Strings”)
Since “Belle Kord’s” announcement of leaving the music industry it has struck many conversations within the HMI such as ”How is the pay”?, “Is there health and life insurance”? , “Is it profitable as musician or artist in the HMI”? and “Can a musician’s salary pay his or her bills”? There have been many debates on this topic prior, however with a successful band such as Klass the topic has resurfaced. The HMI has produced many successful musicians in the public eye such at Sweet Micky, T-Vice, Wycleff Jean, Dadou Pasquet, Yves Joseph of Tabou, Combo, Fabrice Rouzier, Edie Francois and Beethova Obas to name just a few that have made successful living as Haitian musicians. When you view the success of these artists it brings up the question “Is Management really looking out for their Artist”?
Sad to say quietly we have heard sad stories such as “Go Fund Me” being created as a supplement to assist artist medical needs. Recently this past March of 2018 Yole Derose is an example of this case after she was announced with Myeloma with AL Amyloidosis, an immune and a blood disorder. Which brought up several questions and again went quiet.
Friday September 21, 2018 Klass appeared Live on stage at Brasserie Creole in Cambria Heights, NY without Belle Kord. Although Kevin’s presence wasn’t on stage His bandmates carried out a great performance with out him and he was deeply missed by his fans. It will be hard for someone to fill in the shoes of Kevin Guippe. Perhaps Belle Kord will make surprise guest appearances. In the meantime with “El Pozo” present Klass can continue to say “Klass It IS Baby”! Perhaps Belle Kord will make quest appearances, one can only hope. Kompa Original wishes Belle Kord luck and success in his next endeavours in addition to his life legacy.
September 18, 2018
Michel Martelly performs LIVE in New York at “The Space”
Michel Martelly aka Sweet Micky performed Live on stage at the space after Chez Mirelle canceled the performance after numerous calls from individuals threatening to vandalize the Restaurant/Night Club on Friday August 31, 2018. Michel Martelly former President of Haiti performances are always a treat since he has returned back into his musical character Sweet Micky. In front of the Space Michel Martelly fans were greeted by a small group of 15 protesters whom quietly came to exercise the first amendment and make their voices heard with the freedom of speech asking the famous question of the moment “Where is Petro Karaibe’s Money? Kote kob Petro Karibe? The protest lasted about a hour and a half.
Once you entered the Space you were greeted by Michel Martelly’s distinguished voice singing on stage. A voice Haitian music was deprived of for 5yrs while he was President of Haiti. Martelly’s performances before and after politics are truly a tribute to Compas Music, while he plays music from his repertoire and legendary bands that have had a key role in Compas such as Tropicana, Skah Shah, Scorpio, Zeklé, Shelu Sleu and Tabou Combo to name a few. Roger Eugene aka Shoubou of Tabou Combo surprised Michel Martelly on stage while he was performing one of Skah Shah’s hits. Michel was so happy to see Shoubou, he performed a potpourri of Tabou Combo’s music as a tribute to Tabou Combo whom is celebrating their 50yr Anniversary. The two sang and joked on stage while fans laughed and sang a long. It was truly a memorable performance. If you missed Michel Martelly’s performance stay tuned for his next tour dates…
July 16, 2018
James Cardoza Leaves Tvice after 26yrs
James Cadoza announced Friday July 16, 2018 his immediate departure from T-Vice on his Social Media Page. James Cardoza was Original member whom had a strong role in the band. James played the keytar while singing. Cardoza made a strong musical contribution to Tvice for the past 26yrs. Kompa Original is sad to announce after 26 yrs James Cardoza has chosen to depart from Tvice and would like to Thank James cardoza for his musical contribution to the HMI. Farewell James Cardoza we wish you blessing, success and happiness on your future journey.
July 16, 2018
Harmonik’s Cap-Haitien August 10, 2018 performance CANCELED
Feu Vert Night Club owned by Septentrional in Cap-Haitien has opened its doors to many bands and artist to perform on their stage. Harmonik has recently released a press release to media and their fans stating their August 10, 2018 performance has been canceled. What makes the cancelation interesting is that Klass and Harmonik both claim they are booked for the same date. For the sake of the fans the showmanship thing to do would have both bands perform on the same stage. Klass’ camp has made it clear that they would take no part in sharing the stage that day. In matter of fact they have pushed full force in promoting the show for that date. Harmonik’s camp received many threats due to their safety they felt they were left with no choice but to cancel their performance rewarding the stage to Klass.
Rico Piere-Louis confirmed in an interview with Evans, Kompa Events Harmonik was officially booked by Feu Vert Night Club on August 10, 2018 with a paid deposit. Flyers, Posters and Bilboards have been seen all over the streets of Cap-Haitien showing otherwise Klass is performing August 10, 2018 at Feu Vert Night Club. Rico states he is frustrated that Klass’ Camp is tried to strong arm the night club due to the band having roots in Cap-Haitien. Rico called Ritchie of Klass and informed him that Harmonik was booked for the date. Ritchy informed Rico regardless of Harmonik having the date at Feu Vert Night Club the band has to have a performance on August 10, 2018. Rico expressed to Ritchy that he would prefer that the band play at Feu Vert Night club and could do so if the band either changes the date or share the stage with Harmonik. Rico called Harmonik’s Management after trying to see if a date change would be possible keeping the bands planed performance at Feu Vert Night Club. Harmonik’s Management informed Rico a date change wouldn’t be possible due to their set dates for their summer tour. The question now asked is are the two bands at a musical polemic war?
To be continued…
July 16, 2018
The Next Best Studio Is In Rockland County
The next best Studio is hidden in Rockland County. Three influential founders that have contributed to the Haitian Music Industry (HMI) Emanuel Bouget Michel (Song Writer) and brothers Guy Jean-Luis (International Dj Cool G) and Klassque Jean-Louis former pianist and singer of group ZIN have put their heads together to open “OG Studios”. Although the Studio has only opened its doors to the public 3 months ago OG Studios has big plans for the musical industry as a hold. Kompa Original asked what makes their studio different from the rest? Together their answer was “they’re a One Stop Shop” whom will work on the development of tracks from start to end, the development of performance and interaction with the fans and last promotions of their artist. The partners of OG Studios strongly believe in creating events to showcase their artist. July 21, 2018 OG Studios will host an event featuring their artist Hip Hop Rapper “6ix 9ine”
To be continued.. Article coming soon “The next best Studio”
July 16, 2018
To Be a King or Not To Be., To be a King or a Fallen Star…
Many genres of music has royalty. Rock and Roll has Elvis Presley as the King. James Brown is the King of Soul and Aretha Franklin is the Queen. Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, Bob Marley the King of Reggae, Tito Puente is the all time Mambo King, Joseito Mateo the King of Merengue held that title until his death. Daddy Yankee and Don Omar are the Kings of Reggaeton and. Last Prince Royce is the Prince of Bachata to throw a few headliner names that are well known internationally to name a few.
Compas we allegelly have Arly Lariviere as the King of Compas. Many have asked what musical committee was his royalty status rewarded from. Although Arly Lariviere is a brilliant pianist the status of “King” may be premature. Arly can however be compared to Elton John. Arly Lariviere has traveled the world and has the recognition internationally to stand on the platform as a brilliant Pianoist and no one will question his abilities except for Ansyito, Fabrice Rouzier and Joe Jacques to name a few.
Royalty status is given when you have reached musical plateaus and prestige that many can’t reach and perhaps may never reach in their lifetime. Therefore you become an example and a standard for many to follow for years and generations to come. Lately the past couple of months Lariviere has displayed the attributes of just another musician compared to a King. A king of any genre of music is humble he knows his thrown comes from the people and goes out of his way each performance to show his musical kingdom that he has owned the right to be the king.
NYC / NJ we have witnessed the opposite of Arly. The King was spotted stumbling on stage due to much alcohol intake. Lariviere has shown up to several scheduled shows late. Recently Sunday June 15, 2018 Lariviere showed up late and was left at the Pier. The Yacht returned an Hour and forty mintues after departure. This has brought much attention to his character as a musician and has many stating that the King should be stripped of his crown until further notice. Instead of apologizing and giving an outstanding performance for his latte arrival to Pier 40, the King allowed his entourage to sing with him on stage. It was toture like watching an episode of Kareokee with the Stars. Wait a minute that show does not exist.
Hence “The King “ after went on several social media platforms and bragged about the boat returning for him. Actually the boat returned to keep the peace. No one wants to be aboard a crowded ship with unhappy guest, it might escalate into a riot. You just can’t walk off a boat and go home as you would a venue. The fans have reported to Kompa Original “The King” has become very arrogant. The fans feel his attitude has made him unapproachable. Thus with his negative publicity many have asked how did he inquire his status and wants his crown and title to be stripped and effective immediately. Arly Lariviere just may be able to redeem his thrown. Luckily his band NU Look preforms exceptional each time which makes up for the several faux pas of “The King” However if the band overthrows the Maestro that will be the end of NU Look and the King. The King would now gain the title of “Fallen Star”
“Show Time” A major Issue in the HMI
10pm is the start time you will see on the majority of flyers and tickets sold for major performances and events. It has been known for guest to arrive at the venue only to find the promoter his or her staff, the staff of the venue and sound crew. After puzzled guest asking where is the band? Why hasn’t the party started? What the hell is going on?
For years this has been the norm. Several managers, venue owners and media have discussed this problem behind close doors and have worked to improve the situation. Hence this issue repeats itself periodically causing the consumer the partygoer to stop supporting the HMI.
“no respect for time”.
The problem will always exist when there is “no respect for time”. Example if doors open at 8pm and the event is to start at 10pm. The venue has been preparing all day or perhaps a couple of days prior to host the event. Its staff must arrive on time to prepare to receive its guest. In this case the problem is not with the venue. Sound is the key factor of the event. Let’s face it if you don’t have good quality sound, you don’t have an event. Sound cannot be put together in a matter of minutes. Sound arrives before venue doors open to its guest. An installation plan is followed and setup. Lets take a look at the promoter. If the event starts at 10pm professionally the promoter should arrive two hours or one and a half before time to prepare by pre-checking the venue making sure that everything is as advertised and acceptable to his or her supporting guest. Hmmmm so far it’s not the venue, sound nor the promoter.
Although sound is on location on time, Sound check cannot be performed without musicians. The event starts at 10pm technically at 9pm all musicians should be present on location plugged in with their instruments checking sound so that the Sound Engineer can make the required adjustments if necessary. However an hour prior to the event it is rare to see the musician present.
“Superstar Complex”
“Superstar Complex” comes into play that he or she should make a grand entrance. The poporatzi and fans should be at the door capturing the entrance of the Superstar. Hence what the musician doesn’t realize is that it is unprofessional to arrive after the advertised time and perform sound check in front of its audience. The Fan aka the consumer begins to question himself or herself “What were they doing all day”?
We can’t always blame the musicians. Some bands, musicians, and solo artist practice at times for months, weeks and days for a event seeking perfection. Only to arrive at a venue perform sound check and are now awaiting their audience. Which is how it should be. However you have some guest that state they are not arriving at 10pm because they want to arrive in the middle when the groove of the event is in action. In this case we must look at the consumer.
Let’s face it if you were going to a Broadway musical if curtain time is at 8pm you arrive at forty five to thirty minutes ahead of time to be seated. You wouldn’t dare arrive late you will miss something. You wouldn’t arrive to a movie late sometimes it is crucial to see the beginning or you wouldn’t understand the movie. It’s the same if you were to travel if you have a flight; you arrive prior to departure time so that you can go through check in. If not you will watch the plane take off with out you. So why not be on time for an event? After all, the consumer is paying for a live performance that starts at 10pm – 4am, why not arrive on time to see start to finish and get your monies worth?
It all balls down to “Respect” from all parties, venue, sound, and musician/artist and last the consumer. This will always be a struggle if proper time management is not applied and followed. If the venue or the promoter charged each other a late fee either or would never be late. If the promoter charged a late fee to be deducted, I guarantee musicians/artist and members of the band will arrive on time. Last if the consumer began to demand their money back and leave if the advertised start time wasn’t honored, again I guarantee all required to make the evening possible will be present. Without the partygoer/consumer there is no event. It’s a cycle in order for an event to be successful all parties involved must respect the advertised start time.
Written by Chantal Laventure
May 5, 2018
Fans are Upside Down for Mika Ben now MKBN
Michal Benjamin aka Mika Ben and now MKBN, 4th Solo album “MKBN” is in stores today Friday May 4, 2018. Mika’s fans have long waited his solo album featuring and show casing his talent. 2018 MKBN showcases an experienced Michael Benjamin whom is diverse and multitalented with collaborating artist such as Elephant Man, Admiral T, Zoey Dollaz, JPerry, TiPaul Beaubran, Belo, Richard Cave and Master Brain to name a few. MKBN has 18 tracks unto which Michael has written all the songs and engineered musical arrangements for his album.
Michael Benjamin held a Private Listening Session on Friday April 20, 2018 at Row NYC in New York City. It was exclusive and not a typical ‘Haitian Style” Sitting at the table in front of media and close friends, playing each song, taking questions and giving the meaning behind selected song. Mika Ben was supported by his fellow artist such as Emline Michel, Annie Alerte, Alan Cave,and TiPaul Beaubran to name a few. Mika distributed individual headphones for listeners to hear. This format allowed you to be much more intimate with his music, allowing you to form your own opinion and admiration for each single. Upside Down, Ayibobo featuring Paul Beaubrun and Numewo1 featuring Princess Eud is already creating a buzz among the fans. Kompa Original predicts fans will be satisfied. Good things come to those whom wait and MKBN was worth the wait.
The buzz in the streets is “ Will Mika Ben form a band to promote his album?” Mika Ben has stated time and time again he is no longer part of a band as he was with Krezi Mizik. “Mika Ben” and his team is promoting him as a “Solo Artist”. Giving him more ability to reach the international music industry. With his diversity MKBN has a stronger chance to cross over into the Caribbean and International Music Industry and remain. However for now Mika Ben wants his fans to know he is a “Solo Artist” whom makes guest appearances with bands as he once did with Carimi and Kai. Right now his main focus is on MKBN and will appear as a “Solo Artist”, however if needed he is always willing to collaborate. Make sure to support him purchase his album MKBN on iTunes.
Written by Chantal Laventure
