Nu Look, a prominent Haitian band, has been enveloped in rumors and speculation about internal strife and potential breakups, particularly concerning its lead singer, Gazzman Pierre. Recently, in an attempt to clarify the situation and dispel ongoing rumors about his departure to start a new band, Gazzman issued a press release. However, instead of resolving the rumors, the release only added to the confusion surrounding the band’s dynamics. This weekend, Opa TV seized the opportunity to get some direct answers by catching up with Gazzman Pierre at SOBs in Manhattan. In an exclusive interview, Gazzman discussed the recent issues facing…
Author: Opastaff
Official Statement from Krezi Mizik For the past two years we have been honored to perform for our fans at the Haitian Independence Festival and this year, as we scheduled parties and different shows we were eager to once again showcase at the 5th edition of this grand event. Unfortunately, it brings us true sadness to have to announce that Krezi Mizik will not be participating in the festival or any of the previously announced parties in Miami this weekend. With rumors and speculation surrounding our absence at previous “bals” we found it necessary to offer an official apology to…
Kelvin (50 Cent) Martin was famous for his short stature and his brazenness. He stood 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. He carried two guns in his waistband — a .357 Magnum and a Colt .45. So armed, he openly paced Fort Greene’s Myrtle Avenue, sticking up anyone who crossed his path, from store clerks to rival crooks. In 2005, Czar Entertainment, a music-production company in Manhattan, released a documentary about Martin’s life, “Infamous Times: The Original 50 Cent.” Jimmy Rosemond, Czar’s CEO, knew Martin from Rikers Island, where they were both imprisoned as juveniles. Rosemond says…
Bands: Magnum Band & Zin Date: November 16, 2007 Club: SOBs in Manhattan Last night’s, party goers at SOBs got to experience one of the series best edition at Haitian French Caribbean Night. Although the party started off a little late, however, Magnum band did more than makeup for it. My only regret is I didn’t have my father there since he’s the ones who introduced me to Magnum Band while growing up. I’m sure he would have enjoyed the show. Magnum band took the stage first and started their set with the song, Ou la la. After that they…
With a slew of new albums capturing headlines, one might expect Nu Look to feel pressured to release their own album or at least provide an update on its progress. However, Nu Look and its leader, Arly, operate differently. Arly is currently focused on a solo project featuring Alan Cave from Zin. Given both Arly and Alan’s penchant for perfection, expectations for a swift release might be optimistic; this album could potentially take another decade to materialize. The plan for the album involves a mix of duets and solo tracks for each artist, though currently, it seems only the concept…
In the 1990s, they were considered one of Konpa’s most powerful groups, and the one band known to have brought New Yorkers out five days a week. With monster hits like “Ti Poul la,” “14 Fevriye,” “Lanmou nan kalalou,” “Pa bouje,” “Pump up the volume,” “Ayiti an kòbòy,” “Vagabon,” “Don’t you know I love you,” and many more, Phantoms were on the verge of mainstream crossover success. Unfortunately, internal turmoil, changing times, the rise of new “lightweight” bands, and some involvement in Haitian politics led to Phantoms going into hibernation for several years. They made several attempts at a comeback,…
Last month, we reported on an emerging legal battle involving Dr. Pierre of the Center for Haitian Services, organizer of the Racine Festival held on November 2, 2007. Dr. Pierre was considering legal action against the band Djakout Mizik following their failure to appear at his festival due to a double booking conflict. Today, Dr. Pierre fulfilled his promise to pursue legal recourse. This morning, Gerald Firmin of Kaliko Productions, responsible for Djakout Mizik’s bookings in the Florida area, was served with court papers. Kaliko Productions had entered into a contractual agreement for Djakout Mizik to perform at the Racine…
At last night’s T-vice and Carimi party at Club Amazura, a fight broke-out during T-Vice’s set. Prior to that everything was going well although i arrived at the club at 12:10am and Carimi was still doing sound-check. The party didn’t start until 12:30am. Carimi kick it off with, Are you Ready, and continued on with, Bamn Pemisyon, Pouvwa, kidnapping. Micheal was very animated and got the crowd hype on the dance floor. At the end of their performance, to many people’s surprise, a Rara band came out in the crowd, started playing and people went wild. People were throwing their…
Opa was in attendance when Wyclef Jean was handed his diplomatic passport last night by his uncle, Raymond Joseph, Haiti’s ambassador to the United States. The honor was handed to him at SOBs in New York one day after the hip-hop star celebrated his 35th birthday. The self proclaimed number one Haitian received the title “Roving Ambassador” by Haiti president Rene Preval who was unable to attend the ceremony however many people came to show their support to the Grammy award winner, song writer, producer and founder of Yele Haiti; an organization that uses music, sports and the media to…
“I wish I could find these guys and kick their ass” a quote by American Rap Industry rapper 50 cent in this month’s September 21st issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. What made the rapper so upset to make such a bold statement? He was referring to the Internet bashing his recent album release. The rapper admits to reading the viewers comments religiously. There is no exception when it comes to Haitian artists. They, too, are obsessed with reading internet bashing even though they’re not subjected to a mere fraction of brutal criticisms that other countless industry artists endure. Nonetheless, that…