Formed in Haiti as Shleu-Shleu, Skah Shah was reorganized by vocalist Joe Ely “Cubano” Telfort after he moved to New York in the mid-’70s. Dividing their time between Central and North America during the 1970s, Shleu-Shleu survived a critical period after several members elected to remain in the United States. Recruited as a vocal replacement, Telfort assumed the band’s leadership shortly afterwards.
It all began in the early 1970s; les Shleu Shleu, was led respectivelly by saxophonists Tony Moise, George Loubert Chancy and Gérard Daniel.
Once again this very popular Haitian minijazz, (2nd generation Shleu-Shleu) was touring the United States when several members decided not to return to Haiti. They stayed and created in New York City: Skah Shah #1.
Shleu-Shleu 2nd version members: Georges Loubert Chancy aka Zoie (sax), Jean Ely Telfort aka Cubano (vocal), Joseph Mario Mayala (lead guitar), Johnny Frantz Toussaint (rythm guitar), Yves Arsene Appolon (drums), Frederic Mews (bass), they were joined by Lesly Lavelanet (bass), Frantz Laventure (conga), Edouard Leon (percussion), Rodrigue Gauthier (tamtam), Jean Michel St. Victor aka Zouzoule (vocal) …
Skah Shah which is an African word for “little African Kings”‘, became synonym of good Compas. During the mid and late 1970’s, the group performed so well that some week they play 6 days of the 7. The group’s first album ‘Guepe Pangnol’ became an instant hit with several great tunes: ‘Consolation’, ‘Rinmin’, ‘Kelly’,”Apparence’ [one of my personal favorites] etc. From there Skah Shah emerged becoming better and more popular, they became Skah Shah #1. From 1974, to early 1990’s the band recorded several mega hits and performed in New York, Paris, Haiti etc. Among the albums “Synthese Musicale”, “Maria”, “Les Dix Commandements” which includes the very popular nostalgic song “Haiti”, two more classic albums from Rotel Records “Doing It” and “Message” complete the main 1970’s album collection of Skah Shah #1.
The 1980’s saw the group becoming even more productive with albums and hit songs like “Men nimewo a”, “America”, Cubano’s own “Loving You”. Skah Shah #1 at this time became a reference in Haitian music. The main members of the group stayed together since 1974, except for a few new faces that came around to bring more force to the band. Members such as Anderson Cameau came energize the band even more. A few members also left; drummer Arsene Appolon, during the 1970’s quit the band and went to Haiti to create Skah Shah D’Haiti. This group has a few albums among others ‘Croyance’. Arsene Appolon continued with success in Skah Shah D’Haiti, his band at some point in time is relocated to the French Antilles as Skah Shah #1 Plus. To this day, this band is doing great from the Antilles.
Individual talents in Skah Shah #1 also released their own solo projects. The maestro saxophonist Georges Loubert Chancy had some albums: “Doudou”, “Love and Peace”. Guitarist Johnny Frantz Toussaint released the LP “Aida”. Jean Eli Telfort ‘Cubano’ had his album “L’Essence”.
In the early 1990’s, unfortunate happenings lead to the break up of the original Skah Shah #1. The excellent timeline of the band came to an abrupt end. However; optimist, Jean Eli Telfort ‘Cubano’ reunited a few great new generation of musicians to recreate Skah Shah #1. Among the new members are guitarist Makarios Cesaire, Welmyr Jean Pierre, Yves Abel, Claudy Aladin, Romane Doval, Paul Lamarre, Jean Charles Marc, Pierre Lerebour, and Thomas Boyer and also Camille Armand and Richard Duroseau. During the early to mid 1990’s Cubano’s great vision helped bring Skah Shah back in the Haitian music scene. The new Skah Shah released a few albums among others “Hommage a Nemours Jean Baptiste’, ‘Komparaison’, ‘Knock out’ and some hits such as: ‘Plezi Compas’, ‘Knockout’, ‘Gina’, ‘Amour D’enfance’ etc.
During the 1990’s decade, the other band members of the original Skah Shah #1 also founded a band called “Bazouka” with lead vocal Jean Michel Saint Victor ‘Zouzoule’. “Bazouka” released an album during the mid-nineties with a hit songs called ‘Kann Kale’ sang by Zouzoule. However, the band did not last long and soon broke up.
2003 was a great year for Skah Shah #1 fans as finally in ectasy. The original bands members are reunited. The band is back in action with singers Jean Eli Telfort ‘Cubano’, Jean Michel St Victor ‘Zouzoule’, Loubert Chancy, Johnny Frantz Toussaint ‘TiFrè’, Leslie Lavelanet, Ramponneau & Arsène Apollon. It is unfortunate that guitarist Mario Mayala died before the reunion; his influence inside Skah Shah #1 will be forever felt, may he rest in peace. After almost a decade, the band is back in New York City. To celebrate, the group had a successful tour and the fans had the pleasure welcoming their idols.
