born October 4, 1969, Jean Herard Richard better known as “Richie” is a drummer, singer, songwriter, producer and currently part owner of one of Konpa music’s premier bands, Klass. Richie knew drums was his favorite instrument at a very early age and that he was going to make a career of it. He’s even been quoted saying “I think i was born with two drumsticks in my hands”. The first time he sat behind a drum set was during his first year in elementary school in Cap-Haitian (Haiti). It was there where he was appointed to lead his music class. In the 9th grade, he formed his first band, Power X.
Further down the line, Richie joined Zenglen in the late 90s which gave him the necessary exposure he needed to display his talent. Richie went on to deliver a series of hits. Richie released 2 solo albums during his tenure with Zenglen (Le Compas Happy 50/10 Ans Plus Tard) and a collaboration with his former band mate, Gracia Delva (Richie & Gracia).
After moving to the United States, he studied Music Technology at Broward Community College (BCC). After a short experience with American and Jamaican bands, he decided to play Konpa and formed in 1992 his own band Tah-Pajj with Arly Larivière, Gazzman Couleur, Ernst Benjamin, Nixon Mézidor and Raphaël Robillard and released the album entitled “Bozo”. In 1999, he became officially a new member of Zenglen. Since the success of “Easy Compas,” the first single written for Zenglen, he has been appointed to direct and produce the band’s upcoming albums: “Easy Konpa,” “Let it groove,” “Do it right,” “5 Etwal” and “5e Vitès”. Meanwhile, he has been producing his own projects “Le Compas: Happy Fifty” and “Richie & Gracia”. With Richie: 10 Ans Plus Tard, this talented and popular producer and musician is celebrating his 10th anniversary of experience and success with his band mates and his fans.
He left Zenglen in December 2011 and formed a new band
