Born on the 28th of November in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Kenny Desmangles moved to the United States at the age of 13; however, it was in Haiti Kenny revealed his talent and love for music with the help of his cousin who introduced him to all of the old school Haitian bands like Tropicana, by playing their songs around the house. Like most Haitian families, Kenny’s family wasn’t too happy about him becoming a musician and encouraged him to pursue a professional career to secure his future. In order to please his family, Kenny decided to put away his dreams and continue on with his education.
After immigrating to the U.S. with his family, he attended Louis D. Brandeis High School in Manhattan. He developed an immediate interest in sports. He joined the school’s soccer and basketball team, but those extracurricular activities soon came to a halt after being attacked by a gang. It was during the time when Haitian students were tormented in school because of their nationality. Kenny decided he was going to stand up and defend his fellow Haitians, a decision that almost proved fatal as he was stabbed and wounded after being attacked by 15 students. He was rushed to the hospital where he spent over a month and underwent surgery to survive his wounds. He spent his birthday in the hospital, a birthday he will never forget. His English teacher, who came to like him because of his academic excellence, bought him a piano along with his homework and told him to use it so he can make the time go by faster.
After recovering from that experience, Kenny went back to school but carried his piano with him where ever he went. One day while walking, he met a young man by the name of, Rudy Appollon who asked him if he knew how to play the piano and he hesitantly replied “No, I just mess around with it, can you play?” The young man took the piano from him and started playing it and after finding out they attend the same church, Holy Name, in Manhattan, which Kenny was already a member of the church’s choir and so was his new friend; they became the best of friends. They later on formed a band called “Zouke” and performed at the church’s talent shows just around the time “Nouvelle Generation” music were emerging.
After graduating from high school, Kenny decided to pursue his dream. He attended Hunter College and earned a business degree. During his college years Kenny became a part of a band called Siwel with Ralph Menelas (Zenglen) and Theo (Kreyol La). The band started performing for his school’s Haitian Club which expanded to other colleges. After Siwel separated due to members graduating and going their different ways, he received a phone call from Riguad Simon who got in contact with him after Armstrong Jeune personally requested him to join a band they were putting together called New York All Stars, a New York based band with Armstrong Jeune, lead vocalist, Makarios Cesaire guitarist, Shedly Abraham drummer, Yves Abel bass player and Welmyr Jean Pierre on keyboard. Kenny became the band’s vocalist.
In the year 2000, New York All Stars released the album “Pou La Vie”,which consists of 10 songs which Kenny wrote 4 songs; Kago Konpa, One More Chance, Ou Ka di’m Sa which he sung on the album and Nap fe yo Sezi sung by Armstrong Jeune. While traveling to Florida with NYAS, Kenny met his old Siwel band mate Ralph Menelas and started working on a collaboration project. New York All Stars never really took off despite releasing one of the best albums during that time and Kenny grew fond of the Florida weather. He later on gave NYAS his later of resignation. The collaboration project turned into full band project for 509.
Like NYAS, 509 too never got off the ground. “Till this day I can’t explain it… maybe one day I might be able to sit down and talk about it but for now I really don’t understand why 509 never really took off.” Despite releasing a very well-known song Fake, 509 were never accepted among the popular band circle. Then came that faithful day in November when Kenny received a call from longtime friend Richard Herard of Zenglen who called him to save his ship when two of the band lead singers decided to leave the band. Kenny, without any hesitation came to the rescue. His decision to join Zenglen has proven to be the best in his career history.
UPDATE: Kenny left Zenglen after 9 years of service and announced his own band, K-NIWAY on October of 2017.
Writtiten by © Cheyna Pierre
Kenny said he was born for music. Having grown up in a family passionate about harmony; even a grandmother who hummed all the tunes from the radio. Especially popular groups, such as: “Skah-Shah”, “Frères Déjean”, “Tabou”, “Magnum”. “DP” etc. And above all, the big bands of his native Cape: “Septentrional” and “Tropicana”. Which particularly had a great impact on him. Yet it is in New York, especially Manhattan, where he settled in his teens with his family. That his interest in music intensified. When he joined his parish choir: ” The Holy Name ” in the big apple; that he began to develop his flowery libretto throat. And at the same time he devoted himself to keyboards and percussion.
From this branch, he joined forces with his classmate the keyboardist Woody Appolon; as well as to his friend the bassist Théo Jadotte and his younger brother Kennelly among others for the formation of the group “Zouke”. A student initiative that took shape in the grounds of Hunter College, with the impresario, the future senator Steven Benoit. And which was only a preliminary stopover in his artistic career and, therefore, ephemeral. To then take part in the founding of the ensemble “Seewell”, in the company of bassist Gérald Kébrau (future T-Vice) and guitarist Ralph Ménélas (future Zenglen, 509 and others). With which, he begins to highlight his exclusive phrasing, embellished with feline leaps and tremolos. With on the carpet, the work: ” Zepon ”, which had a mixed effect. While being a step in the right direction. By giving him the opportunity to perform curtain-raiser performances for established groups such as: “Tabou”, “System”, “Zin”, “Phantoms” etc.
After the “Seewell” disbanded, Kenny continued to polish his craft in studio projects. Thanks to the contact of Alan Cavé who infused him with some vocal tics. And also Szhéa for whom he composed the song ” kote w te ye? ”. Also collaborating with veterans like Gary Résil and Fanfan Tibòt. Always persistent in his process of finding a missionary and a budding composer. This perseverance allows him to be spotted by the notorious band of “free-throwers”: Makarios, Shedley, Yves Abel, Welmyr etc; who asked him for their project of exedra with the “New-York Stars”. Which, have believed hard as iron, that the picturesque timbre of Kenny can make the difference in the prospect of exposing this musical strand to the great number. In addition to his gifts as a composer and arranger who can color and liven up the group’s repertoire.
THEN THE INTERNAL WAR PREVAILED; FORCING KENNY TO CHANGE HIS ROUTE AND DISTANCING HIMSELF FROM “509”.
It is in this perspective that the work appeared: ” Pou la vi ” , among his compositions such as: ou ka di m sa, kago konpa, nap fè yo sezi, one more chance. These last two were the unavoidable hits of the laser. And whose unexpected success forced the deal, urging members to convert to a regular group. By taking the path of excursions for lively bacchanalia; in ecstatic clubs for an audience that has lent themselves to it. From there follow the tours through the diaspora and Haiti which have well acclaimed them. However, the “SIN” being a circumstantial undertaking insofar as each member constituted a particular project. This left little space for the whole to build consistency or cohesion. Perhaps imbued with this observation, Kenny was the first to take the loose.
To join his partner Ralph Ménélas for the formation of the group “509” in Florida. Another step that allowed him to consolidate his various traits: arranger, singer with exquisite and invasive breath. And also a composer with a myriad of titles: fake, polis, sonya, all i need, tell me why?, Domestic violence, entimide and others; who put this group into orbit. Until its imposition in the spheres of the West Indian music hall. Then the internal war prevailed; forcing Kenny to change his route and distancing himself from “509”. In the interlude, he takes the opportunity to engage in soliciting associations, such as: the “Mini All Stars”, through the collective works: “Klasik Twoubadou / Lole lola”, exposing other facets of his sparkling phrasing. Component ‘my life’ for ‘5 Etwal’, ‘baby don’t cry’ for ‘Gabel’, ‘pa kondanem’ for ‘Disip’, ‘despite everything’ for ‘Maestro’, among others. Still proving its creative force.
ALWAYS INSATIABLE, KENNY QUICKLY REBOUNDED IN THE FORMATION OF HIS GROUP “KENNY WAY”, WHICH HAD A RECEPTIVE RECEPTION IN THE COUNTRY.
In any case, his wishes did not go unnoticed. For being quickly appropriated by the “Zenglen” then in search of replacements due to the desertion of Cangé and Frérot. It was a new breakthrough for Kenny Desmangles who made the double. Finally installed at the outpost of a framed orchestra where Maestro Richie sits. And who will help them to better express themselves, to contribute their capacities and, if necessary, to introduce themselves to a tangible audience. This is how the episode ‘Zenglen / Kenny’ started with the cd : ” 5 e Vitès / Menm ti bagay la ”! in which, he gratified all his oral arsenal ‘kenny way’. Delivering his allegorical vocals in : 5 vitès, mwen pap tounen, jere sexy, map peye bill, fòs desten, ti bebe, fòs sa chanje, off.While contributing its composition: let’s start over , with its particular aroma. A relay which imposed it in the court of the vocal affiliates. Which coincided with the departure of Maestro Richie from the group, who decided to look elsewhere. A situation that allowed Kenny to be more useful in tinkering with the ends with the producer Brutus. In addition to the return Cangé with which it formed a complementary pair in the cd: ” Rezilta ”, to which it has bestowed pieces: love someone, pa tyeke mennaj mwen, 3 e Chapit, Cheri pran pitye. A remarkable contribution for a work that wanted to be salutary from a post Richie perspective. Yet the same reflexes resurfaced. And Kenny, a faithful traveling pigeon, felt aggrieved by the group’s orientation; made the decision to slam the door on “Zenglen”. Picking up his pilgrim’s staff to join his former maestro Ralph Ménélas. In a new attempt to revive the group “509” and put them back on track for competition.
But, after a start on hats, the two friends realized that their incompatibility was more significant than their desire to play together. And therefore have found it necessary to put an end to their on / off association. Once again, Kenny is in a lonely posture. In ballotage, he went to the country to settle in the “Mass Konpa” of Gracia Delva; while this one managed the nebulous affairs of a certain republic with Micky and Jomo. Arriving even to illustrate himself with flair in the backwater of ” yes aya ”, where fans have feasted on his impromptu vibrations. Which did not seem to please “Tiblada” who simply fired him. Always insatiable, Kenny quickly rebounded in the formation of his group “Kenny Way”, which had a receptive reception in the country.
Kenny s’est dit venir au monde pour la musique. Ayant grandi dans une famille passionnée d’harmonie ; voire une grand-mère qui fredonnait tous les airs venus de la radio. Spécialement les groupes en vogue, tels : « Skah-Shah », « Frères Déjean », « Tabou », « Magnum ». « D.P » etc. Et surtout, les big-band de son Cap natal : « Septentrional » et « Tropicana ». Lesquels ont eu particulièrement un grand impact sur lui. C’est pourtant à New-York, notamment Manhattan où il s’est fixé dès son adolescence avec sa famille. Que son intérêt pour la musique s’est intensifié. Lorsqu’il a intégré la chorale de sa paroisse : ‘’The Holy Name’’ dans le big apple ; qu’il a commencé à élaborer son gosier fleuri de libretto. Et parallèlement s’est adonné aux claviers et aux percussions.
De cette filière, il s’est associé à son condisciple le claviériste Woody Appolon ; ainsi qu’à son pote le bassiste Théo Jadotte et son frère cadet Kennelly parmi d’autres pour la formation du groupe « Zouke ». Une initiative d’étudiants qui a pris corps dans l’enceinte de Hunter College, avec pour impresario, le futur sénateur Steven Benoit. Et qui ne fut qu’une escale préliminaire de son parcours d’artiste et, de ce fait éphémère. Pour ensuite prendre part à la fondation de l’ensemble « Seewell », en compagnie du bassiste Gérald Kébrau (futur T-Vice) et du guitariste Ralph Ménélas (futur Zenglen, 509 et autres). Avec lequel, il commence à mettre en évidence son phrasé exclusif, agrémenté de bonds félins et de tremolos. Avec sur le tapis, l’œuvre: ‘’Zepon’’, qui a eu un effet mitigé. Tout en étant un pas dans la bonne direction. En lui donnant l’opportunité de réaliser des performances en lever de rideau pour des groupes établis comme : « Tabou », « System », « Zin », « Phantoms » etc.
Après la dissolution du « Seewell », Kenny a continué de peaufiner son art dans des projets de studio. Grâce au contact d’Alan Cavé qui lui a infusé quelques tics vocaux. Et aussi Szhéa pour laquelle il a composé le morceau ‘’kote w te ye ?’’. Collaborant aussi avec des vétérans comme Gary Résil et Fanfan Tibòt. Toujours persistant dans sa démarche de trouvère missionnaire et de compositeur en herbe. Cette persévérance l’autorise à être repéré par la bande notoire des ‘’free-lancers’’: Makarios, Shedley, Yves Abel, Welmyr etc ; qui le sollicite pour leur projet d’exèdre avec le « New-York Stars ». Lesquels, ont cru dur comme fer, que le timbre pittoresque de Kenny peut faire la différence dans la perspective d’exposer ce brin musical au grand nombre. En plus de ses dons de compositeur et d’arrangeur qui peuvent colorer et aviver le répertoire du groupe.
PUIS, LA GUERRE INTESTINE A PRÉVALU ; CONTRAIGNANT KENNY À MODIFIER SON ITINÉRAIRE ET SE DISTANÇANT DE « 509 ».
C’est dans cette optique qu’est apparue l’œuvre :’’Pou la vi’’, parmi ses compositions telles que : ou ka di m sa, kago konpa, nap fè yo sezi, one more chance. Ces deux dernières ont constitué les hits incontournables du laser. Et dont le succès inattendu a forcé les donnes, en exhortant les membres à se convertir en groupe régulier. En prenant le chemin des excursions pour de vives bacchanales ; dans des clubs extasiés pour un public qui s’y est bien prêté. De là, s’en suivent les tournées à travers la diaspora et Haïti qui les ont bien acclamés. Cependant, le « NAS » étant une entreprise circonstancielle dans la mesure oú chaque membre constituait un projet particulier. Ce qui laissait peu d’espace à l’ensemble pour se bâtir une consistance ou une cohésion. Peut-être imbu de cette constatation, Kenny fut le premier à prendre la poudre d’escampette.
Pour rejoindre son partenaire Ralph Ménélas en vue de la formation du groupe « 509 » en Floride. Une autre étape qui lui a permis de consolider ses traits divers : d’arrangeur, chanteur au souffle exquis et envahissant. Et aussi compositeur garni d’une kyrielle de titres : fake, polis, sonya, all i need, tell me why ?, domestic violence, entimide et autres ; qui ont mis ce groupe sur orbite. Jusqu’à son imposition dans les sphères du music-hall antillais. Puis, la guerre intestine a prévalu ; contraignant Kenny à modifier son itinéraire et se distançant de « 509 ». Dans l’intermède, il en profite pour s’adonner à des associations sollitatives, telles que : le « Mini All Stars », à travers les œuvres collectives : ‘’Klasik Twoubadou/Lole lola’’, exposant d’autres facettes de son phrasé pétillant. Composant ‘my life’ pour « 5 Etwal », ‘baby don’t cry’ pour « Gabel », ‘pa kondanem’ pour « Disip », ‘malgré tout’ pour « Maestro », entre autres. Prouvant encore sa force créatrice.
TOUJOURS INSATIABLE, KENNY A VITE REBONDI DANS LA FORMATION DE SON GROUPE « KENNY WAY », QUI A EU UN ACCUEIL RÉCEPTIF AU PAYS.
En tout cas, ses velléités ne sont pas restées inaperçues. Pour s’être fait bien vite approprié par le « Zenglen » alors à la recherche de remplaçants dû à la désertion de Cangé et de Frérot. Ce fut une nouvelle percée pour Kenny Desmangles qui fit le double. Finalement installé à l’avant-poste d’un orchestre encadré oú siège le maestro Richie. Et qui va l’aider à mieux s’extérioriser, à contribuer ses capacités et, le cas échéant, s’introduire à une audience tangible. C’est ainsi que l’épisode ‘Zenglen/Kenny’ a débuté avec le cd : ‘’5e Vitès/Menm ti bagay la’’ ! dans lequel, il a gratifié tout son arsenal buccal ‘kenny way’. Délivrant ses vocalises allégoriques dans : 5 vitès, mwen pap tounen, jere sexy, map peye bill, fòs desten, ti bebe, fòs sa chanje, off. Tout en contribuant sa composition : let’s start over, avec son arôme particulier. Un relais qui l’a imposé dans la cour des affiliés vocaux. Ce qui coïncidait avec le départ du maestro Richie du groupe, qui a décidé d’aller chercher ailleurs. Une situation qui a permis à Kenny de se faire plus utile dans le rafistolage des bouts avec l’élaborateur Brutus. En plus du retour de Cangé avec lequel il a constitué un duo très complémentaire dans le cd :’’Rezilta’’, auquel il a gratifié les morceaux : love someone, pa tyeke mennaj mwen, 3e chapit, cheri pran pitye. Une contribution remarquable pour une œuvre qui se voulait salutaire dans une perspective post Richie. Pourtant, les mêmes réflexes ont refait surface. Et Kenny, fidèle pigeon ambulant s’est senti lésé par l’orientation du groupe ; a pris la décision de claquer la porte au « Zenglen ». Reprenant son bâton de pèlerin pour se rallier à son ancien maestro Ralph Ménélas. Dans une nouvelle tentative de raviver le groupe « 509 » et le remettre sur les rails de la compétition.
Mais, après un début sur des chapeaux de roue, les deux compères ont réalisé que leur incompatibilité était plus significative que leur désir de jouer ensemble. Et de ce fait ont jugé nécessaire de mettre un terme à leur on/off association. Encore une fois, Kenny est en posture solitaire. En ballotage, il est allé au pays se caser au sein du « Mass Konpa » de Gracia Delva ; pendant que celui-ci gérait les affaires nébuleuses d’une certaine république avec Micky et Jomo. Arrivant même de s’illustrer avec flair dans le marigot de ‘’yes aya’’, où les fans se sont bien régalés de ses vibrations impromptues. Ce qui n’avait pas l’air de plaire à ‘’Tiblada’’qui l’a simplement congédié. Toujours insatiable, Kenny a vite rebondi dans la formation de son groupe « Kenny Way », qui a eu un accueil réceptif au pays. Mais, depuis, on attend qu’il nous mijote tout en Kenny.
Writtiten by © Ed Rainer Sainvill
