The night at Mangovile Night Club was nothing short of electric, marking what could only be described as the evolution of Zenglen. Having heard tales of Zenglen’s show-stopping performance in Boston the previous night, which was described as “pure pandemonium,” my curiosity peaked, and I knew I had to experience their magic firsthand.
Kreyol La Takes the Stage The evening kicked off with Kreyol La, a band that, despite a recent split, clearly kept its fan base intact as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowd. Tijoe, with his magnetic stage presence, captivated the audience, holding everyone in thrall. His performance set a high bar for the night, proving that even if Zenglen were to underperform, Kreyol La’s show was enough to satisfy the attendees.
Zenglen’s Anticipated Performance I arrived around 1 AM, just in time to catch Kreyol La’s final numbers which included hits like “Rev Exotic,” “Li Pa Vini,” and “Viktwa,” among others. The transition between bands seemed to stretch for an eternity, perhaps due to the mounting anticipation among the crowd.
Finally, Zenglen took the stage, led by Kenny. They opened with “Kontwol,” instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. Kenny, a New Yorker through and through, played to his home crowd brilliantly, engaging with familiar faces and energizing the audience with each song. The set included “Kok Gage” and “Ou se,” but it was El Pozo who stole the show with his exceptional guitar play, earning the night’s metaphorical medal.
Nickenson Prudhomme’s Performance Nickenson Prudhomme later joined with “Zanmi.” While the placement of this song as the closing act was unexpected, Nickenson’s performance was notably more relaxed and animated than his typically reserved stage persona suggests. This evolution in his performance style added a new layer of excitement to the night.
The Finale The show concluded with “Happy 50 Konpa,” a fitting end to a night of high-energy performances. Kenny’s role as a frontman was undeniably animated and engaging, indicating his potential to play a significant part in Zenglen’s future. However, it was also clear that Zenglen might still be in search of another frontman to balance out Kenny’s high-energy presence, ensuring the band can deliver a more rounded musical experience.
Final Thoughts The night at Mangovile was a thrilling showcase of talent and charisma from both Kreyol La and Zenglen. Each band brought something unique to the stage, captivating their audience and proving why they remain beloved in the Konpa music scene. Despite the “motorcycle” being just a dance move introduced by Kenny during the last song, it was a night of genuine musical rides that those in attendance are unlikely to forget.
