The next epic concert in Haitian music history is here, Venus Int’l Promotions (VIP) proudly present, the best musical battle pairing in Compas music history; Zin Vs Phantoms; the rematch! On April 4th, 2015 at Amazura Concert Hall; the rebellious Zombies of Brooklyn best known as, Phantoms will once again resurrect to face off with their musical nemesis, La Force Tranquille also known as, Zin for the rematch of the historic concert twenty-one years to the date where Phantoms claimed victory.
The story is simple. It was November 25th, 1993, Thanksgiving Day at the then historic Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, where Zin; dubbed “La Force Tranquille” in the 90s for being one of the most musically sophisticated bands in the Haitian Music Industry, faced off with Phantoms; dubbed the “Zombies of Brooklyn” not only it rings with their name, also their fan base dominated the Borough. (Brooklyn) Both bands took to the stage and made Haitian music history. The events of that night resonate, more than 20 years later.
Zin admitted defeat… Citing Phantoms duped them by hiring a bigger sound system; that was not part of their agreement and because of that, they would never play with Phantoms again to which Phantoms responded “the outcome would have been the same regardless.”
“This type of concerts rarely comes around; there’s always an obstacle, but it’s an honor for VIP to get both sides’ blessings to put such an extraordinary event together.” Says show executive producer, Urbain Richard of VIP.
In addition, many big surprises will unveil on that night. Mark your calendar, 4-4-15 Zin Vs Phantoms the Rematch. Briefing on Zin:
The idea to create a very high-caliber Konpa music band came from Alex Abellard. In 1985, while attending The City College of New York, he met Eddy Saint-Vil, another passionate musician who was also dreaming of creating a Konpa band that could reach the top of the Konpa music world. ZIN, dubbed “The Hit Music Factory”, is one of the most popular Haitian Konpa music bands. The group’s first public appearance in the beginning of 1988 at The City College of New York was a huge success and people knew then that ZIN was destined to be among the greatest in the world of Konpa music. (Source Zin)
Briefing on Phantoms: Founded in 1990, Phantoms have, through the years, only given their constant best at all time, and, without a doubt, carried their entire generation along with them for the ride. Their music can be described as a well-balanced mix of high-energy cuts from traditional Konpa by adding Pop/Rock guitar, drum ‘n’ bass rhythmic tunes and provocative lyric concoctions. Thus, they pioneered Konpa/Rock in their own unusual musical style while soulfully meshing English, French and Creole words. King Kino, Phantoms’ lead vocalist and front man, is a true legend in his own right with an undulating vocal cord, commanding tone, impressionable verbiage and a captivating air. His undeniable distinctive voice has been replicated among the younger generation Konpa vocalists.