INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 28/07/1970(Age 55) |
| Born In : | Haiti/Montreal, Canada/Florida, USA |
| Occupation(s) : | Singer |
| Genres : | Konpa |
| Agent : | Passion/D-Zine/Hangout/Bel Jazz/Nu Look/Klass |
Ederss “Pipo” Stanis, a native of Artibonite, Haiti, is widely recognized as one of the most powerful voices in modern konpa music. Coming from a region that produced the legendary Ti Manno Jean-Baptiste, whose high-pitched style inspired generations, Pipo’s vocal development seems almost destined. His father, Edris Jean-Baptiste, further ties him to a legacy of artistry that shaped his path.
Growing up, Pipo absorbed the sounds of Haitian greats such as Cubano, Zouzoul, Cajuste, and Boulo, while also drawing influence from French, English, and Spanish music. These early exposures provided the foundation for his distinctive style. After emigrating to Canada with his parents, he balanced jobs and academics while working to refine his talent. He began his professional career in Montreal with the group Passion, where he recorded titles including Mistik, Tirès la, Dyonki, and Elat. These tracks quickly brought him recognition and placed him at the forefront of the local music scene.
His reputation led him to Florida, which had become a hub for konpa production. There, he joined D’Zine during a transitional period for the band. Their track Son lari a showcased his raw vocal strength, even as he was still mastering control of his range. The group regained momentum under his influence, but the death of his impresario Romel Barlatier forced him to move on.
Pipo later re-emerged with Hangout, alongside musicians Tinès Vincent, Wilson Jean, and singer Georgy Métellus (formerly of Zin and Phantoms). Their debut, Kote m kanpe, demonstrated Pipo’s growth, blending passion with technical polish and elevating his reputation. Hangout toured Haiti, the Caribbean, and the diaspora, firmly establishing him as one of the era’s most promising vocalists. His talent also earned him opportunities to collaborate with Mini All Stars.
Following creative disagreements and industry frustrations, Pipo left Hangout and joined guitarist Ralph Phanor Ménélas to form Bèl Djaz. Their album Konpa Trankil delivered hits such as Ur the 1, Van vire, and Ou fou pou li, earning him praise for his resilience and artistry. The group toured internationally, cementing his place among leading konpa singers. A split with Ménélas followed, drawing criticism that Pipo was unstable, but he pressed forward undeterred.
In the wake of Gazzman Couleur’s departure from Nu Look, Pipo was invited to join Arly Larivière and became co-lead singer. Together, they recorded the successful album Confirmation, featuring standout songs such as New Look, Jou m rankontre, Li pa nòmal, and Final Destination. Pipo’s contributions elevated the band’s sound and gave Arly, long used to being the sole lead, a true vocal partner. Despite the success, disputes over financial arrangements and Arly’s reputation for exploitation ended their collaboration. Their falling out was highly publicized, but it paved the way for Pipo’s next chapter.
He soon partnered with Richie Hérard, the respected former leader of Zenglen, to form Klass. Unlike previous collaborations, this partnership offered Pipo both a frontman role and shareholder status, creating stability and professional integrity. Klass quickly became a dominant force in konpa, with its debut album Fè l vini avan and subsequent releases producing an extensive list of hits, including Fè l ak tout kè w, Ret nan liy ou, M’ap marye, Se ou sèl mwen genyen, Bagay 9, Lajan sere, Anmwe sekou, Blackout, Let’s Make It Work, Lanmo Pafè, and Lanmou Faithfully.
With Klass, Pipo finally found a platform that matched his artistry. His versatility across konpa, ballads, rabòday, and other styles earned him the nickname “Pipo tout jan.” His vibrato, phrasing, and stage presence have solidified his place as one of the most distinctive voices in the genre.
Now approaching a decade with Klass, Pipo Stanis remains at the forefront of konpa. His journey, from Passion in Montreal, through D’Zine, Hangout, Bèl Dyaz, Nu Look, and finally Klass, reflects both the challenges and triumphs of a career built on resilience and consistency. Today, he is recognized not only as a leading vocalist but also as a symbol of perseverance in Haitian music.
Written by Cheyna Pierre
© Opa Music
