March 26, 2005, will be remembered as a sensational night at Marabou Café, where the musical acts HangOut and Zin drew an impressive crowd of approximately 350 people, making the venue feel as though it hosted nearly 900. The atmosphere was electric, albeit sweltering, as the lack of adequate air conditioning turned the space into an inferno, much to the chagrin of the attendees.
The evening kicked off around eleven o’clock with HangOut taking the stage. While the band’s overall sound was decent, there was a noticeable issue with the vocals. It became apparent that one voice was missing—a female’s voice. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that Ms. Cleo, returning for her first performance since giving birth, struggled to hit the right notes, sounding significantly off-key. To add to the initial confusion, The Princess, another key vocalist, was conspicuously absent at the start, only to make a late entrance around 12:15 a.m., not with the flair expected but rather in a manner that bordered on unprofessional.
Once The Princess joined, the dynamic of the evening shifted significantly. Her performance, particularly of the hit “911,” which references her tumultuous relationship with Alan Cave of Zin, captivated the audience with her electrifying presence and dance moves, pushing the energy of the night to its peak.
During the intermission, the venue buzzed with notable figures from the music and entertainment industry, including Obri Blague, Tamara of Island Magazine, and Farah Larrieux, a former host at Telemax in Haiti now working in Florida. The interactions were a mix of pleasant greetings and unexpected reunions, like the one between Ms. Cleo and her ex-beau, Armstrong Jeune, which, despite its awkward start, seemed to end on a warm note.
As the night progressed, Zin took over and immediately set the tone with their hit “Chokola,” followed by the crowd favorite “Fè m Vole,” which sent the audience into a frenzy. Despite some technical difficulties that briefly calmed the crowd, Zin continued to deliver hit after hit. Highlight of the night was when Nia performed “Hasta La Vista,” originally by Queen Dada. Her command over the audience was undeniable; dressed all in white, she showcased her improved stage presence, which has visibly grown, making it clear that she is destined for a bright future in the industry.
This unforgettable night at Marabou Café, filled with high-energy performances and a dash of drama, once again confirmed the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Haitian music scene. It was an evening that not only showcased the talents of HangOut and Zin but also highlighted the thriving culture of live music performances that continue to draw crowds and create memorable experiences. Until the next review, the echoes of March 26th will undoubtedly linger in the minds of those who were fortunate enough to attend.
