INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 06/09/1949(Age 72) |
| Born In : | Pétion-Ville, Haiti |
| Occupation(s) : | Maestro, Singer |
| Genres : | Konpa Direk |
| Agent : | System Band, Les Frères Déjean |
Isnard Douby, a maestro, singer, trumpeter, and composer, stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Konpa music. His work spans over five decades, leaving a lasting imprint on Haitian and Caribbean music. Known as the musician with the most slogans in the Haitian Music Industry—over 30—Douby transformed Konpa into a genre enriched with innovation and creativity.
Born and raised in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Isnard Douby grew up alongside his brothers Rico, Lesly, Luc, and Ronald. He was a member of the Fanfare du Lycée François Duvalier, where he played the trumpet under the guidance of Professor Camille Noel, alongside fellow students André Desjean and the late Herman Nau. This formative experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to music.
Douby began his career as a trumpeter and vocalist with Les Frères Desjean (1963–1980), contributing to iconic recordings such as the 1980 album L’Univers. In 1980, he co-founded New System, later renamed System Band, alongside Harold Joseph and other former Frères Desjean members. Their first performance at Olympia Palace in Queens Village marked the start of a journey that shaped the Konpa industry.
Led by Douby, System Band became a major player in the Konpa music scene despite competition from Skah Shah and Tabou Combo. Douby’s creativity brought forth hits like Vacances and Pa Pilé, introducing the “groove sound” in Konpa. His compositions, collaborations, and innovations left an indelible mark on Haitian music.
In 1987, Douby transitioned from trumpet playing to focus on singing, arrangements, and compositions due to medical advice. His stage presence, energy, and iconic slogans such as “Mezanmi men moun yo” captivated audiences and defined his performances.
On September 9, 2021, just seven days shy of his 72nd birthday, Isnard Douby passed away in Palm Bay, Florida, after complications from COVID-19. His contributions to Konpa music, including the development of Konpa Machiavel, a distinctive variation of the genre, ensure his legacy lives on.
Isnard Douby was married to Jeanina Registre, with whom he had several children, including Isnard Jr., Mimi, Raphael, and Gladia. Despite his passing, his influence in Konpa music and the broader Haitian cultural landscape remains profound.
