INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 01/04/2002(Age 23) |
| Born In : | Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
| Occupation(s) : | Rap Group |
| Genres : | Rap Kreyol |
| Agent : | zolan, Brital, Papa K-tafalk, Young Cliff, Kondagana, Master Sun, Bricks, Marco |
Barikad Crew (BC) is a trailblazing hip-hop group originating from Bas Peu d’Chose (BPC), a neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Founded in 2002, the group was formed when young artists from different local crews decided to join forces and overcome the “barikad” (obstacles) they faced as individual MCs. Their collaboration not only brought them success but also elevated the Haitian Rap Kreyol genre to international acclaim. In November 2007, Barikad Crew released their debut album, Goumen pou sa w kwè (Fight for What You Believe), to record-breaking sales. Featuring members Bricks, Brital, Dade (R.I.P.), Deja-Voo (R.I.P.), Fantom, Izolan, Kondagana, Marco, Master Sun, Papa K-tafalk (R.I.P.), and Young Cliff (R.I.P.), the album showcased their storytelling and lyrical prowess with tracks like Stand Up, Jwi Lavi, Sakrifis, and Banm Afè’m.
On June 15, 2008, tragedy struck Barikad Crew and the Haitian music industry. While en route to perform at Radio Caraïbes FM’s 59th anniversary celebration, members Jean Walker Sénatus (Papa K-tafalk), Johnny Emmanuel (Dade), Junior Badio (Deja-Voo), their drummer Wilderson Maglorie (Ti-Baté), and a friend of the group, Guichard Labranche, were involved in a devastating car accident on Route de l’Aéroport. Their vehicle collided with a divider and came into contact with a high-voltage electrical wire, electrocuting and burning the occupants beyond recognition. Days later, Papa K-tafalk’s fiancée, who was reportedly pregnant, tragically took her own life. The Haitian government honored the victims with a national funeral, attended by an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 mourners. This overwhelming show of support solidified BC’s place as a beloved cultural force. Artists across Haiti recorded tribute songs, rallying around the group in solidarity.
Despite the loss of key members, Barikad Crew regrouped and persevered. They signed with Wyclef Jean’s Sak Pase Records and released their second album, Jisko Bou, in late 2008. Tracks like Ayiti pi Red, Mete’l, and Selebre resonated deeply with fans. In February 2009, the group debuted in New York City at SOB’s Nightclub, further cementing their international appeal.
The group’s resilience was tested repeatedly. In January 2010, Young Cliff, the youngest member, died during the catastrophic Haiti earthquake, which also claimed the lives of his manager’s wife and hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Then, in February 2015, during a Kanaval parade, lead rapper Fantom was struck by a high-voltage power line. The ensuing panic caused a stampede, resulting in 18 deaths and 78 injuries. These tragedies left indelible scars on the group and its fans.
Barikad Crew’s journey is a testament to their resilience. Despite enduring unimaginable losses, the group has continued to carry the torch for Haitian Rap Kreyol. They have collaborated with leading producers and artists in the American music industry and influenced countless young talents. Over the years, individual members have also pursued successful solo careers, contributing to compilation albums and releasing independent projects. Barikad Crew remains a cultural phenomenon, demonstrating that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite. Through their music, they honor the memories of their fallen members while pushing the boundaries of Haitian hip-hop.
Written by Cheyna Pierre
© Opa Music
