As the Haitian Music Industry (HMI) band Nu Look gears up to celebrate its 15th anniversary this month, OpaMusic.com takes a nostalgic look back at the band’s journey and honors its members for their significant contributions to the evolution of Compas music.
Fifteen years ago, Arly Lariviere and Gasman Pierre reunited to form what is now one of the most popular bands in the Haitian music industry, Nu Look. This pivotal moment followed a dramatic episode on November 18, 2000, when Arly Lariviere, then a member of the group D-Zine, was unexpectedly escorted off the stage during a performance at Marc Arthur’s nightclub. The band, dressed in a mix of white and red, faced a shocking turn of events as Gasman Pierre took the microphone and announced that Arly should be removed from the club, leaving him visibly stunned and seeking support from fellow band members.
The next day, media outlets quickly picked up the story, and both sides offered their explanations for the incident. Arly claimed he was unsure why the drastic action was taken but suspected it was related to financial disputes over album revenues. He denied any wrongdoing in his compensation. Conversely, Gasman and D-Zine attributed the upheaval to Arly’s alleged arrogance, harsh behavior towards fans, and his dictatorial control over the band’s decisions and personnel.
Following Arly’s departure, D-Zine continued without him, while Arly went on a brief hiatus before reuniting with Gasman. The two met with renowned producer Caminito “Lionel Beeper” Fond-Rose, who, influenced by Gasman’s plea, agreed to help them. This collaboration marked the birth of Nu Look.
The band’s journey was fraught with challenges, particularly from loyal D-Zine fans who resisted the new formation. Their initial year saw frequent disruptions, including fights and tear gas attacks during performances. Despite these hurdles, Nu Look’s persistence and dedication helped them overcome the skepticism and establish a strong presence in the industry.
In 2002, Nu Look released their debut album, “Big Mistake,” which quickly dispelled doubts about their future. With hit tracks like “Big Mistake,” “Ave’w Map Mache,” “Loving You,” and “Asse,” the album’s success solidified the band’s reputation and helped them forge their own identity beyond their former band’s shadow.
Despite the success of their first album, the release of their sophomore effort, “Still News,” faced delays due to technical issues. The album, released in 2004, featured popular songs such as “Why Do U Say U Love Me?” and further cemented Nu Look’s position in the HMI.
Their third album, “Abo,” released in 2007, saw Gasman taking on a producer role for the hit track “Legacy.” However, internal issues began to strain the relationship between Arly and Gasman. By January 2010, Gasman announced his departure from Nu Look, leading to the formation of his new band, diSip, which debuted with “Mission” later that year.
Arly continued with Nu Look, initially hiring Ederse “Pipo” Stanis as Gasman’s replacement. Despite advice to maintain the two-singer formula, Arly took on the role of the band’s frontman, leading to two successful albums and proving the band’s resilience and adaptability.
Nu Look remains a dominant force in the industry, continuing to captivate audiences across FL, NY, Haiti, and Paris. Their recent performance at the “All Black Affair” event presented by Venus International Promotion highlighted their enduring impact on Compas music.
Nu Look’s success is attributed not only to founding members Arly Lariviere and Gasman Pierre but also to the contributions of numerous talented band members over the years, including Denis “Ti Polis” Nozile (guitar), Ralph Conde (guitar), Gabriel Laporte (guitar, vocals), Chanel Julmice (drums), Irene “Roro” Edmond (percussions), Alix Nozile (congas), Norman Johns (bass), David Lacomb (keys), Remy Michel (guitar), Jorge Dobal (trombone), and more.
On behalf of OpaMusic.com and its entire staff, we extend our congratulations to Nu Look on their 15th anniversary. Thank you for 15 years of incredible music and contributions to the industry. Here’s to many more years of success and innovation.
In memoriam: Denis “Ti Polis” Nozile, Joseph Kernizan, and Alain Gregoire.
By Cheyna Pierre
