INFORMATION
| Born In : | Miami, Florida |
| Occupation(s) : | Singer |
| Genres : | Konpa |
Stanley Toussaint, better known as Tantan, is widely regarded as one of Konpa music’s finest male singers and vocalists. As a key member of the group Lakol, Tantan has been instrumental in producing and co-producing several iconic hits in Haitian music, including “Ole, Ole,” “Dife,” “Siwel,” “Min Bon Konpa,” and “Lagem.” Tantan’s unique ability to write and produce his own songs sets him apart, earning him a distinguished place in the annals of Haitian music history.
Tantan’s musical journey began at an incredibly young age. At just six years old, he started taking music lessons under the tutelage of Michel Desgrotte, one of Haiti’s most revered music professors. By the age of 10, he ventured into acting, appearing in the stage production La Fillette Couvert De Paille, alongside notable figures such as Alan Cavé Jr., Alan Cavé Sr., Toto Bicente, and Boulot Valcourt.
At 12, Tantan had his first live performance as a musician and singer, sharing the stage with the legendary Boulot Valcourt. This experience marked a pivotal moment in his career, steering his focus from playing instruments like the guitar and piano to honing his songwriting and vocal skills. Around this time, he also began taking voice lessons, earning him the nickname “Little Stevie Wonder” from his peers for his exceptional talent.
Political instability in Haiti prompted Tantan to migrate to New York, where he continued to nurture his passion for music. He attended the Center for Media Arts, earning a degree in sound engineering, and later studied Music and Theatre at the University of Staten Island. Throughout his academic journey, he continued taking piano and voice lessons, further refining his craft.
Tantan was at the heart of the New Generation Movement in Haitian music during the early 1990s. He played a significant role in the early success of Zin and briefly joined Phantom before embarking on his own path by forming Lakol. With Tantan’s visionary leadership, Lakol became the first New Generation Konpa band to transcend musical and cultural boundaries.
Lakol’s groundbreaking music video “Ole, Ole” became a milestone in Haitian music, as it was the first Konpa video to be featured on mainstream platforms such as BET, Telemundo, and entertainment shows across the French Antilles, Europe, and Africa. Tantan’s efforts also made him one of the few Konpa singers to perform in Africa. “Ole, Ole,” which he co-wrote and produced, was nominated for Konpa Song of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall.
After nearly a decade of leading and producing for Lakol, Tantan has embarked on a solo career that promises to revolutionize the Konpa industry once again. His long-anticipated solo album reflects his multifaceted talent and his ability to cross genres and incorporate mainstream influences. Critics and industry insiders alike have hailed this album as Tantan’s best work to date.
As he prepares for an international tour, Tantan is eager to reconnect with his loyal fans and win over new audiences. “I just want to continue making an impression on my fans,” he says. “If you are not a fan yet, come see a Tantan concert. I guarantee, when you leave, you will be a Tantan fan!”
Tantan’s career is a testament to his versatility, creativity, and passion for Konpa music. From his early days as a prodigious talent in Haiti to becoming a global ambassador for Haitian music, Tantan continues to inspire and influence the Konpa genre, solidifying his legacy as one of its most dynamic and enduring figures.
