MizikPam.com

Mizikpam was developed by Haitian Musicians and producers primarily for Haitian Musicians and lovers of music in general. The mission was to find a way to promote a genre of music that is very rare and hard to find. Let’s face it, the majority of the world has no clue that Haitians even made music let alone even have their own brand of sound, their own stars etc… Haitian Radio is very limited, suffering often times from limited airspace. This limited airspace is usually clogged with commercials and other irrelevant content making it very hard for some artists to be heard by anyone. When music is played on Haitian Media, due to the limited amount of time, they seem to only play the most popular artists. It’s a cycle that keeps the popular Artists popular and the ones that are not, Well, not. Ask any Haitian musician what their first problem is and their reply will be “Air Play”. Music is made to be heard and for some Haitian musicians, that is just a dream.

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MizikPam.com Haitian Music Instruments: Tanbou - Petwo

Petwo Drum

Petwo is a family of rhythms originating in Haiti’s central and southern regions (La Plaine, Port au Prince, Akayè). Petwo drums are hot and are played for Papa Simbi, Ezili Danto, Gran Bwa amongst others.

Petwo includes the Kita rhythm where two goat-skin drums - Ralé and Manman - are played by hand only. Source

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MizikPam.com Archives: Skah - Shah

by Nancy Francois

March 29, 2014

Haiti Infos Article:

" Jean Elie Telfort a.k.a. Cubano is considered by many as the Godfather of konpa. 

Cubano was born in Port-De-Paix, Haiti on October 20, 1950.

He started singing and playing the Bass Guitar in the catholic choir of “Les Freres De L’Intruction Chrétienne” in his home town. Jean Elie Telfort, a gifted vocalist, was one of the forces behind Skah Shah’s success in the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s, which was then the flourishing peak of konpa music in Haiti. His mother thought him traditional and old time Haitian songs. His father, a skilled tailor, taught him discipline and the virtue of hard work. Jean Elie Telfort, the eldest of three children, grew up as an outstanding young man and serve as a role model for his brother Georges, a mathematician, and his sister Camille, a nurse.  CUBANO’S BIG BREAK   Cubano was a teenager in the summer of 1964 when Gerald Dupervil, one of the biggest Haitian stars in the 60′s and 70′s, and his band “Riverside Band” came to Port-De-Paix to perform for “Fete Patronale“, the town’s annual party. To everyone’s surprise, Riverside band’s bass player was unable to make the trip. So, Cubano’s music instructor urged him to approach Gerard Dupervil to fill the void. After several hours of rehearsals, Cubano managed to play the bass flawlessly and efficiently for the band. This experience would become perhaps the most important influential moment of Cubano’s musical career. After finishing school in “Notre Dame De Lourdes” of Port-de-Paix, Cubano moved to Port-Au-Prince in 1967 to complete his studies at “Lycee Petion“. In 1969, he earned a degree in accounting.

While in Port-au-prince, Cubano kept going back and forth to his hometown of Port-De-Paix. He loved playing soccer in the summer and he was still the lead singer in his church choir. Soon Cubano formed a small band called “Perles Des Antilles” which featured his schoolmates and childhood friends Roger M. Eugene a.k.a. Shoubou, Jean Alcindor, Max Maurin, and Michel Jadotte. " - Source

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MizikPam.com Haiti's Best: Emeline Michel

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MizikPam.com Presents Zakafest at Little Haiti Cultural Center

May 3, 2014 @1pm - 11pm 

For more information email: [email protected] or call 754.265.0733

Zakafest.com

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MizikPam.com Haitian Music Instruments: The Tanbou Rada Rada drums also play rhythms from the Dahomey nation but with subtle differences in sound from those of Dahomey north (see above) A trained ear can notice the difference. Rada rhythms, songs and dances manifest in the south and central provinces of Haiti (La Plaine, Port Au Prince central, Jacmel). Three cow-skin drums - Boula, Segon, Manman - are played by three people using stick, hand and bow similar to the Dahomey. Rada rhythms include: Yanvalou Mayi Zepol Nago Ibo Rada are played for the same Dahomey spirits but again the sounds, dances and songs are slightly different. Source: http://bongamusic.org/hdrums.php

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MizikPam.com Haitian Music Instruments: The Tanbou - Haitian Drum

A look at the Haitian Drum and the origins of sounds from some regions of Haiti.

The Haitian drum (tanbou) is an important instrument to preserve and play. Without the drum, our culture would be lost. The lineage of the Haitian drum is complex, originating in Africa’s Vodun systems. A drum must be crafted properly and baptized in order to sound good and do the job. I met a man from Nigeria who was studying drum history in Haiti. He was delighted and surprised to hear the Banda- rhythm was being kept alive by Haitian drummers since he claimed it was no longer used in Nigeria. Haiti is a hotbed for African drumming. Popular focus is typically on Cuba- and Brazil -- but our rhythms are a well-kept secret.

Haitian drums are fun to play, producing an organic, versatile sound that can be used for dance, professional recording, healing and merry making. I use my drums to play all kinds of styles. Kids love them too.

The drum has survived centuries and those who use it should do so seriously. My drum collection is very important to me; some are from the oldest temples in Haiti. The older the drum, the better the sound!

There are several varieties of Haitian drums each with an African origin and distinct family of rhythms (see below/click Read More/Source). Most rhythms require 3 drummers. Rada for example is always played with three drums including the Manman, Segon and a Boula. It all depends on what part of Haiti and how the tradition manifested.

Read More/Source: Bonga - Master Haitian Drummer

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MizikPam.com Archives: Tabou Combo, A Look At 45 Years

Photo from Tabou Combo’s official Website

MizikPam.com Archives: Tabou Combo, A Look At 45 Years

By Nancy Francois

March 18, 2014

Many of my generation, “80’s Baby”, remember their parents playing their records most weekends along with Coupe Cloue and Top Vice to name a few. The band has had its typical share of hangups that broke up the band, reunited after a slight hiatus and now touring all over the world. Such a rich story and here at MizikPam.com Archives we shall find every opportunity to share a piece of Haitian Band royalty with you. 

Tabou Combo was formed by Herman Nau and Albert Chancy, two friends who along with several other teens formed “Los Incognitos” in 1968 in Petion - Ville.

Photo Courtesy of Man God Haiti Website Taken by Johnny Sandaire

It was in 1969 the name Tabou Combo was derived to bring out their ethnicity of Haitian culture to band name. They sing in Creole their native tongue, English, French and Spanish. This is why they are able to reach so many listeners in their own native tongues. The band made a name for themselves as Haiti’s premier “Haitian Band”. 

Jump ahead to 1971 when the band mates who had gone separate ways due to life changes and expectations reunited in the US. Their sound:

" Employing the repetition and breaks of Afro-American gospel music, TABOU COMBO entices the listener to become listener and dancer. Almost four decades after TABOU COMBO’s establishment, the band has audiences dancing everywhere from concert halls to the streets and in night clubs around the world. Says Fanfan, the band’s background vocalist and main songwriter, "We want people to dance and forget their sorrows."…" Source: Tabou Combo Bio

In 1974 a hit single, NEW York City helped them gain Europe’s attention. In 1989 they released a single called Aux Antilles (The Antilles) that topped European and Caribbean Charts for six straight weeks. Aux Antilles won Best Album from Haitian Dance Music at the 1991 1st Annual Caribbean Music Awards at New York City’s famous Apollo Theater. Even the recently share YouTube video on MizikPam.com Facebook, Kitem Fe Zafem (Let Me Do My Things), released in 1988 was voted Beat Magazine’s Best of 1988. 

"…In 1989, KITEM FE ZAFEM, along with ZAP ZAP were used by the film director Jonathan Demme in his movie MYSTERY DATE. The song JUICY LUCY was chosen by French movie maker Maurice Pialat for his movie POLICE (1985). In 2002, world known guitarist Carlos Santana recorded the song MABOUYA (Foo Foo) on his album SHAMAN." Source: Tabou Combo Bio

We would love to go on and on here at MizikPam.com Archives about Tabou Combo but their website gives great concise relevant information on the band. Stay tuned for our interviews to come and future accolades to a band that help put Haitian music on a international stage successfully for 45 years.

Band Memeber’s:

Herman Nau, Co-founder, drum player and vocalist. 

Yves Joseph, better known as Fanfan, is one of the original members of the band. Fanfan started with the band in 1968 playing the congas. In the 80’s, he moved to the front as an additional vocalist in support of Shoubou.

Yvon Andre, became a member of Tabou Combo in 1968 at fifteen years-old was a percussionist known to all as Kapi, . Back then the young musician had to sneak out of his family’s home in Petion-Ville to play with the band due to the fact that his parents were determined not to let their son become a musician. However, his love for music was too strong to be stopped.

Roger M. Eugene (Shoubou) has been the world’s most popular Haitian singer for the past 30 years. He is known for his ability to easily switch gears to generate excitement and electricity.

Jean-Claude Jean, Tabou Combo’s rhythm guitar player and another original member. He has been mesmerizing fans around the world for years with his style. He brings an impressive blend of talent and skills that has driven the band’s striking sound for the last 40 years.

Jonas Imbert graduated from Berklee College of Music in May 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and Management. But it’s Jonas’s passion and talent behind the drum set that took him there and beyond. In 2002 this passion along with his much-acquired experience as a drummer in his grandfather’s church, is what led 15-year old Jonas to the stage for a sit-in alongside legendary Haitian band Djakout Mizik. This once in a lifetime opportunity gave Jonas a taste of what was to come. Soon Jonas would add to his resume the numerous sit-ins he was privileged to be a part of with big names like Carimi, Zenglen, and Zin. The first time Jonas played with Tabou Combo was in 2005 in Boston. Five years later, Jonas is a proud and active member of the band.

Jocel Almeus, plays the Keyboard.

Reynald (Rey) Valme, who started his music career late in the 70’s, became a member of Tabou Combo in the early 80’s after it was agreed that Fanfan, the band’s congas player then was to join Shoubou up front. 

Andre Atkins graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1990. Upon completing his studies, he moved to Switzerland where he was appointed Principal Trombonist for George Gershwin’s only Opera “Porgy and Bess”. He moved back to the States in 1992. Andre plays different type of music including Pop, R’n’B, Soul, Blues, Funk, Jazz, Classical, and Caribbean.

Ronald Felix

Curtis Eby, trumpet player, has been on the New York music scene for nearly 10 years. He currently performs with Tabou Combo, his own co-lead group, Barra-Libre, an alternative rock band, and various freelance projects. 

Dener Ceide, guitarist as well.

Ken Watters, another trumpeter, is an accomplished jazz musician. He recorded and released four jazz cds under the label Summit Records, all of which made the top 50 on the U.S. jazz charts between 1999 and 2003. Ken has also performed and recorded with the like of Frank Sinatra, Clarence Carter, Eartha Kitt, Fred Wesley, Natalie Cole, Kelis, TLC, Gregg Allman, and Ruben Studdard. Although his primary emphasis is jazz, he plays all type of music.

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MizikPam.com Archives

Tabou Combo - L'an X

Tracks:

1. Fausse Conception

2. Tabou Disco

3. L'An X

4. Hoola Hoop Disco

5. Tania

6. Let's Do the Groove

7. Let Me Play that Funky Music

8. Tabou Disco (Remixed)

9. Hoola Hoop Disco (Remixed)

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MizikPam.com  Archives

Tabou Combo - Indestructible 1976

Tracks:

1. Akiyoko

2. Meditation

3. No Me Dejes

4. Hoola Hoop Dance

5. 8eme Sacrement

6. Move the Bg Apple

7. It's Hard to Say Goodbye

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MizikPam.com Archives

Tabou Combo - 8eme Sacrement (Cover and Tracks)

Tracks:  1. New York City

2. Courai

3. Education

4. 8eme Sacrement

5. Pace Domine

6. Come Back My Love

7. Respect/Zapaton

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MizikPam.com Archives

Tabou Combo - A la Canne a Sucre - 1971

Tracks:

1. Pression D'Haiti

2. Hot Pants

3. Bon Anniversaire

4. Compas L

5. Kokobe

6. Manou

7. Je T'ai Perdue

8. Compas Flon

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Mizikpam was developed by Haitian Musicians and producers primarily for Haitian Musicians and lovers of music in general. The mission was to find a way to promote a genre of music that is very rare and hard to find.