Whenever someone used to be associated with a band and they form a group of their own, it’s always a thing to see. One only need to look at pop music history. Lionel Richie forming his own band after leaving The Commodores, Diana Ross going solo with her own backing band after parting ways with the Supremes if we’re going to go back in time for instances. Nicole Nicole Scherzinger with Eden Crush before the Pussycat Dolls and Justin Timberlake, formerly of a group called NSync, are some other examples that come to mind. So when former Carimi lead-singer Mickael Guirand who’s in an alternative market known as konpa, it’s hard not to be curious.
Stepping out with thirteen tracks (one is a briefly-spoken intro), Guirand proves that the voice is still there and the musical identity as the leader of Vayb is developing.
On the album’s cover art, Guirand is at a gaming table in an upscale casino, looks like. He’s dressed in a stylish suit, his head tilted to the side as if he is nonchalant as to the overall outcome of the game.
Why do people stay in bad relationships? The narrator in “Fo’m Alé” (Gots to Go) is so ready to go and is not about to become a research statistic. The relationship has run its course; countless changes were handed over to no avail? What’s a man to do? Ale! The drama continues in “Ou Pa Nan Plas Mwen (You Ain’t in My Place). “I used to be your umbrella,” the narrator states, and recounts the countless times in the relationship when he gave and gave, and gave of himself until he was practically drained. His partner was taking and taking, and never giving, just giving out more expectations and not appreciating what was already given. Resentment grew until he couldn’t take it anymore. And on top of everything, he’s being dragged by her; she’s spreading stories in their. Now that’s some serious mechanste, ain’t it ya’ll? But why the narrator got to get all critical, talking about she never brooms and her giving him salty food. Lawdy. Go out in style man…all the way. Dude just had to throw shade regarding the girl’s housekeeping skills. I’m starting to doubt the narrator’s integrity. He goes on and on about all his sacrifices, but apparently cooking for his girl was not among them. Dude, you should have cooked and bale, and make manje that wasn’t sale, then you can criticize the chick.
So Vayb has a second lead singer, known as Scooby. Interesting. And that’s him singing lead on the song “Je ferai” (I Will). I definitely dig this song. The lyrics of the song contend that we must be willing to give others second chances. Is that a metaphor for Vayb itself? The narrator promises to be a good man if he’s given a second chance. And with all that pleasurable begging and pleading, he should be given one last chance! Know one of the pleasures of life? Knowing that you have someone to come home to, or someone who you can wait on to come home to welcome you. But what happens when you’re promised a date and you’re ghosted? That’s the story line in “Poto” (Pole). He was given all the right signals. He was anticipating a hot date, sprayed and bathed in cologne, and poof! The girl is a no-show. Can I get a podyab?
Wait, ain’t that Wanito on this song? Can’t tell you great it was to hear the singer Wanito on a new track. He’s been playing hide-and-seek artistically from what I can see. The song in question is “Se wé ya wé nou” (Guess They’ll Be Seeing Us). The track is about opposites who attract. Everyone is convinced that they won’t last, but the couple proves the longevity of their love, and shut down all their naysayers. Well!
Thus far, Game Over is delivering, but it isn’t over!
Sometimes we get attached to someone, but that person isn’t feeling us all the way, or as much we’d like to. That scenario is the reality in “A mwatye” (Half-Way). What is she holding out for? What sort of emotional trauma did she suffer from the past that causes her to act so lukewarm towards her loving knight? The song that doesn’t tell us. What it does tell us, however, is that the narrator wants her heart to be with him entirely! No half-stepping, thank you very much.
From the first notes of the song “Lanmou Fasil” (Easy Love), I had a feeling that it was going to be a pleasant musical experience. The melody is so sweet and the singer’s delivery is so flawless. The hook is about as contagious as can be. It’s one of those type of love songs that couples will swiftly relate to. It’s playful with the relationship drama, and makes light of the ups and downs in a relationship. It’s easy love, indeed, when you’re quick to forgive and when you’re fighting for your relationship and not your partner. What a sweet song.
Vayb’s second leader singer Scooby takes charge on “Ou sou tchèk” (You’re Under Surveillance). His style was reminiscent of the group Enposib on this track. But what a sweet ballad about the importance of being persistent when pursuing a love interest. A string of rejections won’t stop him, not because he’s a stalker, but because she’s made a solid impression on his heart, and he won’t take no, or several nos for an answer. Sounds like those Haitian men at the club in Miami and Brooklyn I’m always hearing about who are overzealous in their flirting and insistence to be danced with!
Thought Game Over was going to be all ballads! No, baby! With “Kite’m vayb” (Let Me Vibe), featuring Haiti-based artist Shabba, a full party takes shape. The beat is wild. Beach party type of music. Even before listening to “Nou nan lari’a” (We Up in These Streets), I immediately surmised that it was going to be party song. Boy, was I wrong. Turns out it was the album’s socially conscious song. It’s about putting a hard day’s work in, and staying on hustle mode to make it through life.
Finally we have a song called “Ralanti” (Slow Down). Look, I don’t always listen to albums in order, okay. I skip around. This one is a remake of the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee hit track “Despacito”. How interesting that Vayb did a Haitian Creole translation. The track features a guest appearance by singer Oswald. Great teaming.
According to an article in Bustle, 70% of people in the USA have had a one night stand. “One Night Stand”, featuring an artist named Roody Roodboy, is about one such night of debauchery that the narrator wants to grow into a real relationship. He thought the evening was going to be the usual to him, but love came calling. What an interesting turn of events. The melody on this track is quite memorable.
So “Je Ferai”, “Lanmou Fasil” and “Fo’m alé” are the album’s stand-out songs. “Lanmou Fasil” puts this optimistic and positive spin on love. It’s hard to dismiss it. “Je Ferai” is sung with abandon my both lead singers. “Je Ferai” sounds like a wedding dance song, complete with the man’s vow that he’s ready to do right by the relationship. It’s hard not to replay this song. “Fo’m alé” doesn’t fall in the romantic category, as it’s about escaping a toxic relationship, but I consider one of the album’s best because of the singer’s delivery.
Earlier, I mentioned how Guirand sits hovering over a gaming table at a casino. Now, it’s obvious that not only does he have a winning hand, but he’s a constant winner at the table, with some cards he can play his way, and a pile of chips stacked up in his favor.
Written by kreyolicious
