System Band Returns to Haiti with a New Line-Up and Fresh Energy
After a year-long hiatus from their homeland, System Band is making a triumphant return to Haiti, thanks to the efforts of promoter Ernst Barjon, also known as Ti Fanfan. The end-of-year tour comes at a crucial time for the band, which had been struggling with declining attendance at its events before their break.
In a press conference held on December 29th in Pétion-Ville, Isnard Douby addressed the challenges that led to the band’s temporary downturn. Key issues included the illness of Ti Mitou, the relocation of Ernst Vincent (Ti Ness) to Florida, and Michel Blaise’s personal family matters. To counter these setbacks and revitalize the band’s appeal, Douby announced a strategic overhaul, including the recruitment of new, younger talent.
Douby emphasized the band’s enduring legacy, stating, “It is only with my death that System will cease to exist. System should continue to serve the Caramel Compas sound indefinitely.” This commitment to longevity is reflected in their decision to bring in fresh faces to the lineup.
The revamped band now includes Delva as the new bassist, Kenny Legagneur as the keyboardist, Réginald Benjamin’s cousin on second guitar, and Jean Maurice (Ti Jean Marassa) on drums. Joël Jean, a former singer with Les Invincibles de Jacmel and Gero Star, has also joined the group to infuse new energy into their performances.
System Band is set to showcase their latest work, the CD “Cumberlan’n,” which took six months to record and promises to cater to a diverse range of musical tastes. The tour kicks off on December 30th in Haiti, marking the start of what the band hopes will be a successful return to the stage and a revitalized era for System Band.
Fans can look forward to experiencing the band’s renewed vitality and fresh sound as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
