Ritchy
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.
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…
April 30, 2018
Klass ANFLANNEUR
