Author: Opastaff
Just two and a half months shy of the two most talked about festivals in Florida to take place and already the legal gloves our on. On the one corner, you have Rodney Noel and Jean Michel Cerenord of Harmony Records’ lawyers serving Al Compas Festival’s partners with a lawsuit claiming to have the legal right to the name Compas Festival. According to my sources, Al Compas Festival was served already and they have yet to respond. I didn’t know you can legally own that name and I have yet to check on that but from what I’ve gathered so…
Opa had the opportunity to sit down with Zin’s songtress, Nia for a conversation. In this interview, you will find out a little bit more about the artists and what she’s been up to outside of her band Zin.
The store formerly known as Antilles Mizik! January 3, 2009 After 16 years of serving Haitian music lovers in Queens and Long Island, the house that Philippe Lavelanet built has shut its doors a week ago on the 28th of December. According to Lavelanet, the business is not lucrative enough to keep him around and the people in the business are too ungrateful to even encourage business people to stay the course. But here’s the good news: you will still be able to take a trip to Linden Boulevard and buy your CD’s!!! At least that is according to Mario…
The Haitian Revolution (French: Révolution haïtienne [ʁevɔlysjɔ̃ ajisjɛ̃n]), was a successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection that took place in the former French colony of Saint-Domingue that lasted from 1791 until 1804. It affected the institution of slavery throughout the Americas. Self-liberated slaves destroyed slavery at home, fought to preserve their freedom, and with the collaboration of mulattoes, founded the sovereign state of Haiti. It led to the greatest slave uprising since Spartacus’s unsuccessful revolt against the Roman Republic nearly 1,900 years prior. The Haitian Revolution was the only slave uprising that led to the founding of a state free from…
The Haitian Music Industry (HMI) ushers in each new year with the emergence of fresh bands, continuing a longstanding tradition. As 2008 unfolds, numerous bands formed by ex-members of previously popular groups are set to make their debut. Notable among these are Tempo, comprised of former members of 718; 5 Etwal, with alumni from Gabel & System band; Harmonik, which includes former talents from Zenglen, K-dans, and Krezi; and Bel Jazz, formed by ex-members of Hangout among others. Currently, Harmonik is showing the most promise with two grand premieres and a recently released album. The HMI also sees its share…
It’s undeniable that there were problems in Nu Look in the recent months. in an effort to quiet the rumors that were spreading about Gazzman leaving Nu Look to form his own band, Gazzman who sent out a press release to clear the air on certain issues the band was facing ended up creating more confusion than giving any answers. This weekend Opa TV caught up with Nu Look’s lead singer Gazzman Pierre at SOBs in Manhattan to chat about Nu Look’s recent troubles, his status in the band and much more. Click to listen and don’t forget to share…
One year after their first single, “La Femme de Mon Patron,” took the airwaves by storm, Bel Jazz is set to release their debut album, VAN VIRE, this weekend. This marks a major accomplishment for the band since their grand premiere in mid-February 2008 followed by a second release “K.P.S.” in late August. VAN VIRE will feature 12 original compositions collectively produced by the musicians of Bel Jazz. Lead singer, Pipo, showcases his astounding voice and vocal versatility throughout all twelve tracks in an array of storylines provided by each song. Infectious grooves will entice listeners to dance and/or sing…
With multiple locations throughout the tri-state area and a ferocious ad campaign that leaves their logo embedded in our subconscious, Solution Management Group has become a well-known and successful Haitian-owned business within the Haitian community. Solution Management Group, Inc. is a full-service tax, mortgage, and real estate firm specializing in individual and business tax preparation, as well as buying, selling, and financing real estate. Solution Management is a Haitian franchise founded in 2001 by entrepreneur and musician Witney A. Volcy. Despite its popularity and success, not many people know the man behind the operation. Mr. Volcy, a graduate of the…
Compasfest Statement It was never my intention to go public about the T-Vice contract, but after reading Mr. Cerenord’s statement regarding the reasons T-Vice will not participate in Compasfest 2009, it is fair enough that I let the fans know the “Real Reason.” T-Vice was one of the few Bands that performed at the first Compasfest in Miami when the festival had about 2000 attendees. We have a great deal of respect for “Noel and Cecibon” for bringing the Festival to where it is right now, a very successful event. We in the Vice Camp have given our all to…
In an era when many new Compas music albums often lack quality or meaningful messages, relying instead on sensationalism to elicit strong reactions from die-hard fans, it’s refreshing to see that Zenglen still caters to a diverse audience. Their latest release, the long-awaited 9th studio album titled “5ieme Vitesse,” skillfully varies its musical pace, offering something for both party-goers and those who prefer more thoughtful music. “5ieme Vitesse” serves up a mix of socially conscious tunes, love ballads, and high-energy tracks, ensuring there’s something for every taste. Despite frequent changes in lead vocalists over the years, Kenny Desmangles successfully introduces…