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

years; let alone while maintaining a signature sound that has barely changed since a few friends came together in Petion Ville Haiti and started, what we now know as Tabou Combo, back in 1968. There are two active bands that can beat them for longevity and it is Sepen and Tropicana.  But neither of them have had the constant worldwide appeal that Tabou Combo has had. The group's relentless optimism and sunny disposition has always been a curious foil for songs like : “Haiti”, “ New York City” “Mabouya”, “ Aux Antilles”, “ Kite’m fe zafe’m” “Zap Zap" and many others.

When Tabou Combo was at its peak, I was too young to have been able to attend any of their events, but I’m blessed to still be around to enjoy them live now; and whatever they're going to give me, I’m making sure that I take advantage of it while I’m still alive. I must have seen Tabou Combo at least over 30 times over the past few years, if not even more. I'll probably go see them next time they're in town, whether it's going to be on a freezing night at the Hilton in Melville or during a summer sunny day at Central Park.

Congratulations once again to Tap Ambiance Productions headed by Nadege Fleurimond, you guys have heard the cries of many partygoers who have asked for our promoters to raise the bar, but you guys have taken the bar to the highest level.  I’ve attended almost all your past events, and I must say after attending any of your events, I’ve always found myself very excited when I’m writing the reviews, “Chapo Ba” once again.  To the host committee, job well done.

From 1968 to 2008, Tabou Combo is one of the most exciting and innovative Compas group ever created and throughout the world, genuinely pushing boudaires and exploring new musical avenues. Superstars to the Compas purists darlings of  the world beat fans; they enjoy an unprecedented degree of success worldwide and their influence and musical impact over the world is still revered and relevant today. Congratulations Tabou on your 40th.


ABOUT TABOU COMBO

“Rhythm is the essence of Tabou Combo,” says Tabou Combo’s co-founder and ex-drummer Herman Nau.  The infectious rhythm of Haiti’s national dance music, Compas, has propelled the country’s preeminent dance band around the world.  The 12 members of the band have covered many territories since leaving Haiti and relocating to New York City in 1971.  By that time, Tabou had already established itself as Haiti’s number one group, and as the “ Ambassadors of Compas.”  Tabou Combo now has worldwide fans and followers from London to Paris, Switzerland, Japan, and South America, throughout the Caribbean and in North America.

It is easy to understand why Tabou Combo’s relentless and high-energy style of Compas dance beat knows no language barrier.  Singing in English, Spanish, French or their native Creole, Tabou serves a hot mix of grooves and textures with roots from around the world. Tabou Combo got started in 1968 in Petion-Ville, by Albert Chancy and Herman Nau and some friends, all in their teens.  They began by naming themselves “ Los Incognitos”, because they were unknown at that time.  They changed to Tabou Combo in 1969, in order to bear a name close to the Haitian culture.  That year, the band won first prize in a televised talent contest, gaining a national reputation in Haiti, and by 1970 it was one of the island’s leading bands.  Then the Chancy’s parents stepped in, and Albert, the band’s guitarist and original leader was sent to College in Montreal, and gave up music.  The band dissolved and its members drifted to the United States.  Earlier in 1971, however, an unexpected meeting led to a Tabou reunion with rhythm guitarist Jean-Claude Jean as the leader and the band has been together, with a few changes ever since.

There is no doubt, the music is made for dancing, but Tabou also features lyrics that focus on social issues of the day.

It was 1974 when the band-captured Europe’s attention with its million selling hit single “New York City”.  Tabou steadily has been building its international followers ever since.  The 1989 release, “Aux Antilles”, topped European and Caribbean charts for six consecutive weeks.  Aux Antilles also won Best Album for Haitian Dance Music, at the 1991 1st annual Caribbean Music Awards at New York City’s famous Apollo Theater.  Tabou’s release,” Kite’m fe Zafe’m”, was voted amount Beat Magazine’s Best of 1988.  In 1989, Kite’m fe Zafe’m and Zap Zap were used by the film director Jonathan Demme in his movie “Mystery Date”.  The song Juicy Lucy was chosen by French moviemaker Maurice Pialat for his movie “Police” (1985).  In 2002, world-renowned guitarist Carlos Santana recorded the song “Mabouya” (Foo Foo) on his album “Shaman”.(biobook)