When Gracia Delva found himself unable to leave Haiti, many thought it signaled the end for the band Zenglen. Doubt had seeped into the group, pushing the musicians to contemplate a fresh start. Amidst the uncertainty, Richie stood as the singular voice of optimism, pledging to reunite the scattered pieces of Zenglen. His promise was not just words; after a challenging eight months, he successfully reassembled the band.
The quest to find a replacement for Gracia Delva was particularly daunting. Richie had been eyeing Reginald as a potential addition for some time but hesitated due to immigration complications. This changed when former manager Bellande confidently promised to resolve the issue. True to his word, Bellande traveled to Haiti and managed to facilitate the immigration process. Shortly after, another opportunity arose to bring Frerot to the States, prompting Richie to send Brutus to Haiti to finalize negotiations, which he did successfully.
Upon their arrival in the States, both Reginald and Frerot married Haitian American women. Reginald landed in July and was promptly brought into the studio to record vocals for “5 senses,” a track that quickly gained traction in Haiti.
However, relocating two individuals to a new country came with significant financial responsibilities—burdens that Zenglen was ill-prepared to handle given their eight-month absence from the music scene. Archill St. Hilaire came to the rescue, assuming financial responsibilities not just for the two new musicians but also for revitalizing the band through funding for albums, videos, and promotional activities.
Richie’s relationship with Reginald and Frerot deepened quickly, extending his personal friendships to them. One of Richie’s close friends even married Reginald. The album that followed was a hit, and Zenglen’s popularity began to rise once again.
Amid this resurgence, Richie considered a solo project. The resulting album was a significant success, prompting financial discussions between Richie and Archill. When Richie expressed the need for substantial funds to purchase a home, Archill was only able to contribute $20,000 due to other financial commitments. This led to a heated dispute and a rift in their relationship.
The conflict escalated when Archill needed to secure support within the band as his disagreements with Richie intensified. During a trip to Haiti—coincidentally also attended by Richie—Archill gave a controversial radio interview. He publicly accused Richie of causing internal problems within Zenglen, using Gracia Delva’s treatment as an example. This move backfired spectacularly when Delva, listening to the interview, publicly supported Richie and invited him to perform together, signaling a united front against Archill’s accusations.
This confrontation highlighted underlying issues within Zenglen, notably around leadership and financial management. Despite the band’s facade of unity and resilience, these internal conflicts threatened to undermine their stability. The saga of Zenglen illustrates the complex dynamics of maintaining personal relationships within professional frameworks, especially in the creative pressures of a musical group facing both internal strife and external challenges.
