Haitian Beatz

There are certain events that if you are a true music fans and lover, you just cannot afford to miss, and if you are a Compas fans, it is imperative that you are there in person; and last night’s Tabou Combo 40th Anniversary Roast was one of them. Despite freezing weather, snow storm, fans of great music braved the cold to come pay tribute to one of Haiti's greatest treasure, Tabou Combo. For those who attended, even if they were not the fiercest Tabou Combo fans, cannot say that they did not get their hundred dollars’ worth and even more. They got to dine, wine and Tabou's music made them move to a forceful digestion.

The night started with the host Dr. Casimir introducing the founding members of the band, one by one; than was joined by the Queen herself Emeline Michel, who paid tribute to Tabou for their longevity which she stated is the key to any successful endeavors; than she proceeded to sing one of Tabou’s song “Yo” as a humbled gesture of gratitude.

Compas historian, Mario de Volcy gave a detailed personal experience of the band, than a short documentary video of the band was shown on a giant screen. Once that was done, the highly disciplined and rehearsed Tabou Combo took to the stage to begin their set. From that point on the fans were on their feet, and the band gave its nostalgic fans a three hours medley of the band’s hits- going back when they started 1968.

Shoubou paid tribute to all the band’s former members, especially Adolphe Chancy who made the trip all the way from Miami. And, unbilled, probably the highlight of the night, was when Dolph took the bass for “Manou” a song that the band has not played in a long time, the whole Hilton ballroom exploded. This was an audience who came to enjoy and pay respect to Tabou Combo, there was a brief interruption due to some sound issues and you can see the frustrations from the fans grouping in front of the band. I did not want to be the sound engineer at that moment.

Like all great world known bands and Tabou Combo is no exception, they seem to make what they do look easy. Even though it was a ballroom dancing format, Tabou’s approach was straightforward and their main objective was to get the audience excited and excited they were.  No other group has had the world wide success that Tabou Combo has enjoyed and continues to maintain an impact on the world scene for 40