Author: Opastaff

Pressure is mounting on Kenyan police officers to deliver on their promise to help bring Haiti’s rampant gangs under control, six weeks after setting foot in the Caribbean nation. When the first contingent of 200 elite Kenyan police officers flew into Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince on 25 June, they filed confidently off their Kenyan Airways flight clad in helmets and combat gear, carrying their weapons and holding high the Kenyan national flag. They chanted in Swahili while they psyched themselves up on the airport tarmac, as did a second batch of 200 Kenyan officers who landed three weeks later. “Let’s go!” and “We’re moving!” came the cries.…

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If there’s one thing 2024 has shown us, it’s that this year is all about exposing people for who they truly are. It’s like a year of revelations, where secrets long hidden in the shadows are finally coming to light across all sectors. One such case that stands out amid the chaos is the controversy surrounding Pastor Malory and Emeline Michel’s performance at a Christian concert. Pastor Malory Laurent’s issue with Emeline Michel, a respected figure who has represented Haiti with pride, stems from his belief that she is “too worldly” to perform alongside Christian artists. According to him, her…

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Lynnzee Brown, a former college gymnast and current Penn State women’s gymnastics coach, made history at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as the first artistic gymnast to represent Haiti. Of Haitian heritage through her father, Brown’s initial goal was to honor her roots, but it evolved into a journey of deeper connection with Haiti’s culture and history. Brown faced challenges, including securing dual citizenship and qualifying for the Olympics by posting competitive scores at the 2023 World Championships. Despite being the sole gymnast representing Haiti, she achieved her personal best score of 48.832 in the women’s all-around qualifications. The experience…

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With difficulty the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates. The shows in the UK and Europe ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned. Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows. Regrettably, some media outlet’s penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour. The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal. The audiences in the UK and…

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Without a doubt, many Haitian promoters have made significant strides in bringing compas music to a broader audience over the years. However, some aspects still baffle me—simple things that seem to be common sense yet are often overlooked. For instance, when attending a party to see a particular band, the backdrop and LED projectors should enhance the experience, not detract from it. One of my main concerns is the overuse of backdrops with unrelated commercials. While I’m at a party to enjoy the music, I find it off-putting to be reminded about taxes, upcoming parties, or local services. These constant…

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Authorities in the Bahamas have launched a search for 32-year-old Haitian rapper MechansT, real name Mechanste Wens Jonathan Desir, who is feared to be lost at sea. The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) began their investigation following reports of the rapper’s disappearance on July 16. Desir was last heard from on July 4, shortly after performing at a concert on Great Abaco Island. Desir, known for his significant impact on the Haitian music scene, had traveled to the Bahamas for a performance on May 18, commemorating Haitian Flag Day. While his brother, Steeven Desir, left the island on May 24,…

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The upcoming 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, set to take place at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 29, promises to be an exceptional celebration of Caribbean music, honoring the legends and trailblazers who have shaped its vibrant landscape. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, and the King of Caribbean Comedy, Majah Hype, ensuring an evening filled with dynamic performances and entertainment. Among the distinguished artists to be honored this year, Tabou Combo stands out for their monumental contribution to Haitian Konpa music. Celebrating over five decades of musical excellence, Tabou Combo has…

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