When we entered the music industry, 12 years ago, we entered a long lasting relationship with our fans. Our vows were to be there for you and for you to be there for us. We did our best to fulfill our commitment, either through our love songs, which brought happiness to your heart, or sometimes our sad songs which brought tears through your eyes. We have even touched the “untouchable” social-political topics to provide you with a more reflective view on our beloved country, HAITI.
Songs such as: “Ouve Barye”, “Haiti en Cowboy”, Sa Fe Mal”, “Rekonsilyasiyon” and “Kou Deta” are songs that are held dear in the hearts of those who suffered and continue to be victims of the many atrocities in our history. Through these songs our brothers and sisters, spread around the world for various reasons, know that Phantoms feels their pain. Phantoms is not a political group. Social consciousness does not imply political affiliation in any other country; why should Haiti be any different for us?
Not surprisingly, most of our songs are about love and relationships. Love, the most talked about and misunderstood subject. Love in a relationship between two Haitians is very unique, and no other group sings about it better than Phantoms. Phantoms has left its imprints with such classics like “14 Fevrier”, “Don’t you know I love you”, “I love you”, “Romeo et Juliet”, “Je Veux T’aimer”, “Sonje”, “She’s So Beautiful” and “Just a Little Bit”. These songs will touch even those who don’t possess a romantic bone in their bodies. “Pa bouje”, “Mache sou piga’w”, “Vagabon” to name a few are some of Phantoms greatest works. These lyrics and rhythms are a mixture of the old konpa with the touch of the “Nouvelle Generation”. Critics of the new era of “Nouvelle Generation” would say we are lacking in originality and inspiration, because our beats are too techno.
Phantoms, from the beginning, had too much respect for their fans to allow technology as an inspiration to compose our songs, when you listen to Phantoms, you feel the instruments, you hear something new and different, and you hear the evolution of konpa. You can dance, you can jump, you can still chill, regardless of your age or taste there is something for you.. Phantoms Band is arguably one of the most talented group of Haitians to come together. When some Nouvelle Generation groups are criticized for their fluff or meaningless lyrics, Phantoms on the other hand continues to impress with wisdom and insight into our complex society. Love them, hate them, they are one of the futures of konpa. The future is now, konpa must evolve, and thus Phantoms is on the task.
Our mission is to keep their spirit alive. During our past 12 years, we have tried to do just that. But we still feel there are much more to be accomplished. As the new millennium arrives upon us, our mission is to take konpa music beyond our traditional circles. As it is a challenge to us, it should be a challenge to all other konpa bands in the industry to help achieve this goal. Music is a universal language; let’s make konpa, one of the official languages of the world.
