According to insiders, Zenglen seems to be viewed as “public enemy number one” by many Haitian radio stations in Florida. One source shared that it would be “very difficult” to get most Miami radio stations to offer any support or do favors for the band, as many in the media feel disrespected by the group.
Speculation surrounds whether this perceived animosity stems from the Gracia Delva episode, during which the band went through a highly publicized breakup with its former lead vocalist. It’s been suggested that Zenglen and its leader, Richie, felt abandoned by the Florida media during that time. Allegedly, the band believes that many in the media didn’t want the group to continue without Delva and failed to offer them the support they needed during the transition.
Now, despite Zenglen’s renewed success and strong fanbase, the band reportedly still feels the sting from the perceived lack of support from Florida’s radio community during that turbulent period.
One source even stated, “The only crew Zenglen deals with in Miami is Planet 17. They’re the only station really supporting Zenglen right now.” According to the same source, Zenglen’s music is rarely played on other radio stations in the Miami area, making the group’s presence in Florida’s media landscape minimal at best.
Adding to the tension, reports have emerged that a well-known radio personality in Florida allegedly said, “If it’s up to me when it comes to Zenglen, Jazz sa te met mouri” (loosely translated to “This band might as well be dead”). This comment suggests that the rift between Zenglen and some media figures in Florida may run deep, with lasting resentment on both sides.
As Zenglen continues to rebuild and thrive in the Haitian music industry (HMI), their relationship with the Florida media remains strained, and it remains to be seen if bridges can be rebuilt between the band and Miami’s Haitian radio stations. For now, the tension is undeniable, and the road to reconciliation may still be a long one.
