New York- King Kino is perhaps the most controversial and influential figure in the music industry of the past ten years! King Kino, the lead singer of the Haitian konpa group “Move Move”, has been making music and performing for almost two decades with his former group “Phantoms” His candid opinions on many issues, that no other artists have dared to
touch on, are often bound to generate a lot of controversies in the community.
King Kino’s alleged recent remarks following a heated radio interview and allegations of racist comments directed toward light complexion Haitian konpa group have landed him in the hot seat. The subject is currently the largest single controversy in the Haitian world. Many musicians and fans have expressed outrage and demand an apology from the artist.
The color issue has always existed in the Haitian music. In the 70’s, 80’s, and late 90’s the issue persist with DP Express, Scorpio, Zekle, Skandal, Mizik Mizik, Tvice, and a number of konpa groups. Antione Rosiny Jean Baptiste aka “Timano”, the greatest Haitian lyricist of all time, was said to have left DP Express because his wife (a beautiful dark skin Creole woman) was not allowed in a certain venue in Petion Ville (Haiti) as the group sometimes performed fan upscale light skin Haitian elite. What’s new?
However, many people fail to realize that this is not exclusive to our society. Discrimination of some form exists in every society, Haitians just take it to another level and make it an issue in every aspect of their lives Maybe it is the time we have a serious debate regarding the color issue in Haitian society and the music Industry. This problem is not so much about
the color of our skin, but rather an excuse to hide behind the real problems that face Haitian society: lack of respect for self and others, distrust, and fear of change among others.
In response, King Kino wrote a press release to address alleged racist charges made against him by certain Haitian tabloid.
Press Release (below)
King Kino My Say
I have been a player in the Haitian Music Industry for over 20 years, and my record speaks for itself. It is also known that I am a very outspoken person, who will not hide behind another person to say what I need to say. Throughout my career, there have been a lot of controversies and misconceptions about me and my actions. However, most of the people who are feeding these controversies do not even know the real me. They see me on stage where I am a professional entertainer, or in other settings where the artist is being showcased. I am an individual just like you, who live day to day life like every normal person. I am a messenger who has been given a gift to share as a musician. Through my music, I have tackled many issues that face our community and the world. I have put my self out there as an activist and as a humanitarian to speak up about inequalities, violence, education, poverty, and injustice; something that is not
seen too much in this industry these days.
My goal is to continue to inspire people, unite an industry, and to bring changes to a nation that has suffered enough because of racism, misunderstanding, and misconceptions. I am all for musical competition in our industry, friendly controversies, however, it does not have to result in personal attacks especially when it is based on misinformation and
hearsay.
2004 has been a very difficult one for Haitians. It is not the time for us to concentrate on negative things that have brought our nation in the state it is today. If you don’t know where you come from, you will not know where you are going. We have to learn to appreciate and cherish the good things that we have been given and learn from the lessons we have been given. I have been blessed in a lot of ways, I’m a messenger of God, I am a child of God, just like you are. We need to focus on the positive instead of the negative. The outcome will be better than the reality we are now living.
Love and Peace to everyone, and have a Merry Christmas.
Lord Kinomorsa Divers “King Kino”
Activist for Life.
