Author: Opastaff

Haitian music star Kino was left frustrated after all his elaborate preparations for the Haitian Compas Festival were for nothing, as he didn’t end up performing. The King of unforgettable stage shows had grand plans, including flying in on a helicopter and a van full of dancers to give the audience a performance they would never forget. According to Kino, he had even secured special permission from the mayor to make the entrance spectacular. Unfortunately, none of that came to fruition. Fans who have been following Kino’s career will remember his iconic performance at SOBs in New York, where he…

Word on the street is that Armstrong and his live-in girlfriend, Cleo Pierre, formerly of D’sire, have officially called it quits after a fiery confrontation. Sources say the drama unfolded when Armstrong rolled in late from what he claimed was a studio session. But Cleo wasn’t having it. She reportedly questioned him about his late-night escapades, and that’s when things took a sharp turn. Insiders are claiming Armstrong allegedly flew into a violent rage, accusing Cleo of being “too nice” with male figures in the industry. (A little reverse psychology, maybe? We see you, Armstrong!) Fearing for her safety, Cleo…

As the rhythms of bals evolve and crowd sizes dwindle, ZIN, a longstanding favorite in the Haitian music scene, continues to pull significant numbers and maintain its vibrancy, particularly in venues like Club A in Queens. Despite the shifting dynamics in the entertainment landscape, ZIN regularly draws around 300 partygoers on a typical Sunday and even surpasses 500 during special events. Salazar Jean-Baptiste, ZIN’s general manager and one of its lyricists, noted the change from past decades when bands could easily attract a thousand attendees. Today, even well-known groups like ZIN see numbers around 500. Yet, the enthusiasm remains high.…

Yves “Fanfan” Joseph and Tabou Combo de Petionville began their remarkable journey over 30 years ago, forging a path that forever altered the landscape of Konpa music. With their signature sound and groundbreaking success, the band not only set the blueprint for the genre but also transcended Haiti’s borders, achieving international acclaim. Tabou Combo set the gold standard by which all other bands are measured, pioneering a level of success and influence that few have matched. But as with all long-lasting careers, this success has come at a price. Roger “Shoubou” Eugene, Yves “Fanfan” Joseph, Herman Nau, and the other…

In an exclusive interview with Opa on the evening of April 25, 2004, Haitian Compas songstress Misty Jean addressed various rumors and fan questions, bringing clarity and sharing updates on her bustling career. Earlier in the day, attempts to reach Misty were unsuccessful, but the persistent efforts paid off when she returned the call late at night, revealing the demanding schedule that keeps her at the studio until the wee hours. This dedication to her craft, while admirable, has led to some unintended consequences, including fueling rumors about her personal life. One of the most persistent rumors Misty addressed during…

CaRiMi returns with their sophomore album “Nasty Bizinis,” a vibrant collection that dives deep into the themes of love, betrayal, and personal challenges, all wrapped up in a bold Konpa rhythm infused with a dash of urban flair. Departing from the sentimental norms of Konpa music, CaRiMi incorporates a slight gangster attitude, exploring complex relational dynamics with notable expertise. Album Composition: “Nasty Bizinis” comprises 10 original tracks interspersed with three interludes, demonstrating the band’s matured artistic vision and lyrical prowess. Notably, alongside lead singer Mickael Guirrand, members Richard Cavé and Carlo Vieux also showcase their vocal talents. Guest appearances by…

Mention the name Lionel Simeon, and you may receive puzzled looks, but say “Chez YonYon” in the Washington, DC area, and smiles will follow. For over a decade, Lionel Simeon, affectionately known as “YonYon,” has been a pillar of the Haitian community through his culinary talents. In the DC region, YonYon has achieved what Emeril Lagasse did for American cuisine: he has made Haitian food a beloved cultural staple. More than just a restaurant, Chez YonYon is a hub for Haitian entertainment, news, culture, and community pride. This summer, YonYon will further cement his place in the culinary world by…

Larose, a celebrated figure in the Compas music scene, recently shared insights about his journey, career, and his latest album, “Real Live,” during a candid interview at Geronimo Records. Known for his distinct voice and numerous contributions to the genre, Larose reflected on his past accomplishments, his current projects, and his vision for the future. Early Beginnings and Rapid Rise Larose’s journey in music started at a young age, when friends recognized his vocal talent. His early experiences singing with friends during playtime led to a professional career with Sugar Combo, where he released six albums before transitioning to other…

In this interview, Azor, the lead singer of Racine Mapou de Azor, speaks freely about his beliefs and freedom of religion. Why did Racine de Mapou Azor receive a gold medallion in Japan? What is the meaning behind the name Racine de Mapou Azor? What does Azor foresee for the future of Racine? Find out in this exclusive interview. Hi Mapou, how is your tour going so far? AZOR: It is a great pleasure for me to conduct this interview with you. I tip my hat to you, and I would also like to say hello to all the fans…

During the recent Haitian Independents Day festival in Miami, a physical altercation involving David Dupoux, a key member of the popular band Konpa Kreyol, and the festival’s security guards has sparked controversy and division within the group. The confrontation, which reportedly occurred over access to the stage, left Dupoux with several bruises. Despite the altercation, he proceeded to perform as scheduled. Following the incident, Dupoux and his advisors decided to pursue legal action, a move that was not supported by other band members. This decision has led to a significant rift within Konpa Kreyol, highlighting deeper issues within the group.…