The Konpa band Dega, which translates to “chaos” in Haitian Creole, is living up to its name these days. What once seemed like a promising group on the verge of climbing the ranks has now found itself in a whirlwind of internal challenges, member departures, and unfulfilled commitments. The band, led by Carl-Fréderick Behrmann, is currently navigating turbulent waters following the unexpected exit of key members.
Rommel Joseph, the band’s bassist, recently left for New York, while renowned guitarist Duckensond “Didi Santanna” Fontaine, known for his remarkable guitar skills at a young age, joined the band K-Dans without much notice. This has left Behrmann in a difficult position, carrying the weight of the band on his own as the remaining core member.
Despite these setbacks, Dega had seen some notable successes before the departures. Their carnival meringue “Laji Zèl Ou” earned them second place, and they garnered attention for their performances at festivals in Miami and New York, including Kreyolfest, where their music was well-received by the public. However, the brewing of their second album was viewed by many insiders as critical for the band’s trajectory, and now its future appears uncertain.
Seated at his office at Behrmann Motors on Airport Road, Behrmann reflects on the current state of his band. Dressed casually, he exudes the demeanor of someone balancing both business and personal passions. As the conversation unfolds, Behrmann discusses the departure of his band members and the challenges he now faces.
With the departure of Fontaine and Joseph, Behrmann admits that he was left unable to fulfill 19 contractual obligations, a significant blow to both his reputation and finances. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, he remains determined. The master of the new Dega album has already been handed over to Antilles Mizik’s Phillipe Lavelanet, and marketing plans, including Dega merchandise, are in place. Behrmann is clearly ready to move forward, despite his musical casualties.
Reflecting on the formation of Dega, Behrmann explains how the band began as an idea shared between him and his cousin Patrice Bayard in the mid-1990s. While the band initially faced challenges, including frequent changes in musicians, they managed to make a name for themselves in Haiti’s underground music scene. Eventually, as other members left for college in the U.S., Behrmann continued the band’s momentum by performing during summer breaks and holidays. Despite competition from bigger names like T-Vice and Carimi, Dega consistently drew crowds to their performances, particularly during their annual December 31st beach event.
As the discussion turns to the departure of Joseph and Fontaine, Behrmann expresses his disappointment. He shares how Joseph left for New York without much explanation, choosing to seek a “better life,” leaving Behrmann to scramble for replacements just as the band was completing its album. Behrmann also notes that Fontaine’s departure came as a shock, particularly because of their long friendship. “People told me to quit, to give up on the industry, but I couldn’t let two musicians destroy my dreams,” he says resolutely.
Behrmann has since replaced Joseph with Eric Emile, a former bassist for T-Vice. However, he remains tight-lipped about who will take over as the lead guitarist, noting that it’s too early to reveal the new recruit. He acknowledges Fontaine’s talent, calling him the best guitarist in the new generation of Haitian music, but emphasizes that success requires more than just talent—it requires commitment and professionalism.
In terms of the band’s reputation, Behrmann admits that failing to fulfill contracts has hurt both financially and professionally. However, he remains undeterred, choosing to rebuild the band with a renewed focus on musicians who share his commitment. He stresses the importance of having band members who are experienced travelers and financially independent, so that the burden doesn’t solely fall on him.
When asked about the possibility of Joseph and Fontaine returning to Dega, Behrmann firmly dismisses the idea. “These are scars that will never heal,” he says. He also reflects on how Fontaine’s departure was particularly painful, given the sacrifices he made for him over the years.
Despite the turmoil, Behrmann is optimistic about the future. He plans to continue leading the band with his wife, Katherine Gardère, by his side. Gardère not only sings with the band but also helps with its management, and she had foreseen some of the challenges Dega would face. Behrmann admits that Gardère’s instincts were right about some of the band members, and he now focuses on finding musicians who are both talented and reliable.
As for any feud with Fontaine’s new band, K-Dans, Behrmann is clear that he harbors no ill will. “K-Dans is not the kind of band I want to feud with,” he explains. Instead, he views the situation as purely business, emphasizing that while the departure of Fontaine was unfortunate, Dega must focus on moving forward.
Looking ahead, Behrmann is committed to continuing his music career and ensuring Dega remains relevant. While he acknowledges that it will be difficult for Dega to rise to the top of the industry, especially given the challenges of managing both a business and a band, he refuses to give up on his dream. “Sometimes I ask myself why I don’t just give it up,” he says, “but I’ve had a decent career, and I’m not ready to stop.”
In the end, Dega is a band that has faced its fair share of chaos, but with Behrmann’s resilience and determination, it may still find its way back on track.
