No Bias No Bull:Why Maestro Richie Challenged The Martinos Claims: Colorism and Rivalries in The HMI

By Moses St Louis

Haitian music fans know there’s no shortage of drama when bands like Klass and TVice hit the headlines. Things heated up when Maestro Richie from Klass paused tough questions after Roberto Martino of TVice brought up a claim made by Reynaldo. Reynaldo had gone live, bragging that he’s the mastermind behind sabotaging bands, even saying he personally sabotaged a Klass event. That raised bigger questions about why some people feel so confident airing these views in public.

Richie didn’t let the moment slide. He wondered out loud if colorism or racism plays a role in these bold public claims and attacks. In a scene where music brings people together, issues of race and bias can’t be ignored, but they’re often pushed aside. Tackling these questions head-on matters, not just for the artists but for everyone who loves Haitian music.

Who Are the Key Players: Maestro Richie, Roberto Martino, and Reynaldo Martino

Understanding the tension between Klass and TVice starts with knowing the people at the center of the drama. Each person involved is more than just a name—all three have unique roles that shape how fans and fellow musicians react to these controversies. Here’s what you need to know about Maestro Richie, Roberto Martino, and Reynaldo Martino to put the current discussion in context.

Maestro Richie: The Creative Leader of Klass

Maestro Richie, whose real name is Jean Herard Richard, leads Klass, one of the biggest names in modern Haitian Konpa music. His reputation as a skilled drummer/Maestro/band leader, songwriter, and arranger puts him at the top of his field. Richie’s influence goes beyond music; fans see him as a symbol of hard work and dedication. The way he tackles tough topics and asks uncomfortable questions shows he’s not just about hits—he’s interested in pushing the culture forward.

• Band: Klass

• Role: Maestro, drummer, composer, leader

• Known for: Thoughtful interviews, skilled musicianship, and songs that speak to deeper social issues

Richie’s decision to question Reynaldo’s claims and bring up the topic of colorism highlights his willingness to talk about issues the Haitian music scene often avoids.

Roberto Martino: The TVice Frontman with Deep Roots

Roberto Martino is the lively face of TVice. Coming from a legendary music family, Roberto has helped shape TVice’s sound and style, keeping the band at the top of Haitian music charts for years. His presence in this discussion matters because Roberto’s band often represents the “other side” in many band rivalries, especially with Djakout.

• Band: TVice

• Role: Guitarist, composer, co-leader

• Known for: Charismatic performances, catchy riffs, and sparking conversations that get attention

  
  

Roberto’s questions to Richie weren’t just casual—they brought deeper issues to the public eye, making everyone think twice about what goes on behind the scenes.

Reynaldo Martino: The Provocateur and Self-Proclaimed Saboteur

Reynaldo may not be the main band leader, but his influence is undeniable. He’s become known for his live social media interviews, where he’s not afraid to stir the pot. Calling himself the “master of boycotting bands,” Reynaldo’s bold claims about sabotaging Klass sent shockwaves through the HMI. His confidence isn’t just about ego; it shows how some people feel untouchable.

• Role: keyboard player, Maestro, commentator, provocateur

• Known for: Unfiltered rants, bold accusations, and stoking controversy

• Signature move: Publicly admitting to working against certain bands—including Klass

When Reynaldo claimed responsibility for sabotaging Klass, it forced a bigger conversation about why he felt so free to speak out, and whether other issues like color or bias play a role.

Together, these three shape much of the current debate. Their backgrounds, reputations, and public actions set the stage for the ongoing clash that fans and critics can’t ignore.

The Incident: What Sparked the Controversy

The firestorm started with a live interview that  Reynaldo gave to Top Groove with Evens Jean and quickly spilled over and took the HMI by storm. Reynaldo Martino, already known for his brash thuggish reputation, went live and did more than just vent. He claimed he was no stranger to sabotaging bands, even saying point-blank that he worked against Klass during a major event at Vault Cafe in Long Island. This was not just tough talk—he boasted about being the “master of boycotting” and tied his own actions to a bigger rivalry between a party between Klass and TVice.

Suddenly, what could have been just like any other interview turned into a complex debate. For fans, musicians, and even casual listeners, these words hit hard. Now, let’s break down how these moments unfolded and why they caused such a stir.

Reynaldo’s Public Declaration

During the interview, Reynaldo described how he allegedly influenced events where Klass was scheduled to perform. He admitted, without hesitation, that he was behind moves to keep Klass from starting their set on time . This was not rumor—it was Reynaldo’s open confession.

• He bragged about sabotaging events: Naming Klass directly, he said his efforts were successful during the Vault Cafe event.

• He labeled himself the “master of boycotting”: He made the claim on a public platform, amplifying the drama for thousands to see.

For many, Reynaldo’s confidence raised bigger questions about what he—and others—really believe they can get away with.

Roberto Martino’s Role and Missed Opportunity

Once the controversy was public, attention quickly shifted to Roberto Martino, co-leader of TVice and Reynaldo’s brother. Fans and insiders expected Roberto to address Reynaldo’s comments head-on, showing leadership and taking a stand. Instead, the response felt like a missed opportunity.

• Fans wanted Roberto to step up: Great leaders call out bad behavior, even when it comes from family or friends.

• There was no direct call-out or real apology to Klass or Richie: Instead, Roberto passed the spotlight to Richie, forcing him to publicly address the claims.

For Maestro Richie, this wasn’t just band drama, it was about respect and responsibility.

Maestro Richie’s Challenge

Richie didn’t shy away from the moment. He made it clear that sitting out shows with TVice was about integrity. Richie explained that if he allowed Klass to share the stage with TVice after Reynaldo’s admissions, it would send a message that such behavior is no big deal—especially if it comes from powerful figures like the Martino brothers.

• He refused to play shows with TVice after the scandal: Richie stated he would look like a coward if he ignored the issue.

• He questioned why Reynaldo felt so free to act this way: Was it only bravado, or did deeper issues like skin color and bias make Reynaldo and his allies feel untouchable?

Richie made it clear that real accountability was needed, pushing everyone to look past surface-level of who is playing first or last and ask uncomfortable questions.

Why This Moment Matters

This incident wasn’t the first sign of friction between the bands, but it became a turning point. Richie’s public response forced people to see the bigger picture: these aren’t just personal grudges—they’re wrapped up in long-standing issues of race, privilege, and leadership within Haitian music. The simple act of going live and bragging about sabotage kicked open doors many wanted to keep shut.

When leaders sidestep tough conversations, trust is lost. Richie’s stance opened the floor for a real talk about colorism, respect, and what kind of culture the Haitian music scene is building for future generations.

Understanding Richie's Question: The Deeper Meaning

When Richie fired back with his own question about Reynaldo’s boldness, he did more than respond—he shifted the focus. He put the spotlight on the real reasons people act the way they do in the Haitian music scene. Is it just a matter of band rivalry, or does something deeper, like color or race, play a part in who feels free to go live and make accusations? Richie’s approach forces everyone watching—not just fans, but other artists—to think about what makes certain voices so loud and confident.

The Weight of Live Statements in Haitian Music Culture

Live interviews are a powerhouse in Haitian music. When someone goes live, their words carry weight much faster and farther than private conversations or written posts ever could. In a close-knit community like the HMI, these moments shape public opinion in real time.

Why does live interview matter so much? Here are a few reasons:

• Instant impact: Fans get unfiltered, raw emotions, which can sway opinions or fuel drama almost immediately.

• Credibility boost: Speaking live is seen as gutsy. If you go live, people believe you’re speaking your truth.

• Pressure for response: Other bands and artists feel forced to reply when caught in the spotlight, or risk looking weak or guilty.

When Reynaldo went on the interview and called himself the “master of boycotting,” he wasn’t just venting. He was taking control of the narrative, using an audience to make his actions seem more acceptable, even normal. These kinds of statements leave marks, long after the livestream interview ends. They affect reputations, open old wounds, and stir up old issues. Fellow musicians know just how fast a live statement spreads. It creates ripples—sometimes spreading rumors, sometimes stoking tension, and almost always putting pressure on everyone involved.

Richie’s follow-up, bringing Ti Joe Kenny into the conversation, doubled down. When Ti Joe publicly compared Richie and Arly to criminal gangs  in Haiti and said he’d personally block diaspora bands from entering Haiti, it wasn’t just “shade”—it was a call to group loyalty and division, all out in the open. Richie’s question—why these men feel so entitled and safe to speak this way—hits on something rarely discussed directly: the unwritten rules and hidden lines about who can speak up, and in what way.

Racial Dynamics Within the Haitian Entertainment Scene

Richie’s bold question about racism wasn’t just a dig at Reynaldo. It pushed a sensitive, often avoided subject right into the public eye. Racism and colorism are not new themes in Haiti—they shape everything from job opportunities, politics to social circles. The entertainment world is no exception.

In Haitian music, bands often reflect more than just musical differences. Sometimes, they mirror the country’s own complex history of class and color. Lighter-skinned artists and bands can get more attention, smoother paths to media coverage, and easier access to sponsors. Meanwhile, darker-skinned musicians sometimes find themselves on the outside, no matter their talent.

Consider these realities:

• History lingers: Haiti’s colonial roots and color divides still affect who gets to lead, who gets to headline, and who gets respect.

• "Popular" vs. "Prestigious": Bands made up of lighter-skinned or wealthier members often get described as “classier” or more “professional,” adding an extra layer to backstage drama.

• Social media amplifies bias: Online rants or public insults don’t just stir the pot—they put color lines on full display for everyone to judge.

When Richie asked if Reynaldo’s confidence was rooted in skin color, he was demanding people notice what often stays unsaid. The question becomes, who feels safe enough to act as gatekeeper or judge? Who gets shut out and who is free to challenge or even sabotage others publicly? These are not just personal questions—they are about the very structure of music and fame in Haiti.

Richie’s willingness to push this conversation opens the door for honest reflection in the community. His words show how asking the right question—out loud, in front of everyone—can peel back the usual excuses and force real talk about privilege, race, and respect. For fans and others watching, it’s a reminder that the biggest drama is sometimes happening off-stage, shaped by stories as old as Haiti itself.

Boycotting and Sabotage: A History of Rivalries in Haitian Music

Haitian music has always been about more than just dance rhythms and catchy choruses. Bands aren’t only competing for fans—they also wrestle over pride, power, and sometimes, survival. Boycotts and sabotage have been around for years, heated by strong personalities, old-school rivalries, and ambitions that run deeper than a simple chart battle. This pattern shapes how bands gain followers, lose favor, and stay talked about. Let’s dig into how boycotting and sabotage became common tactics, what drives them, and how public perception shifts as these stories play out.

How Boycotting Became Part of the Playbook

Boycotting between bands didn’t happen overnight. As competition grew, some artists decided that turning down collaborations, not attending each other's events, or putting quiet pressure on promoters could cut rivals down to size. While some saw this as smart business, others viewed it as holding back the collective progress of Haitian music.

Boycotting often looks like:

• Bands refusing to share the stage with rivals

• Promoters blacklisting certain acts based on private feuds

• Fans fueled by loyalty, convincing others not to support target bands

For many, boycotting is about control. The band doing the boycotting sends a clear message: "We don’t approve, and we want you to feel it." This can shrink a rival’s stage, thin out their crowds, and force them into smaller venues or off big bills. In a tight-knit scene, word spreads fast, and just the hint that big-name groups won't play a show can make organizers nervous.

Public Claims of Sabotage: Who Stirs the Pot, and Why?

Openly admitting to sabotaging a band is a bold step. These confessions—like Reynaldo's—change the story in the public eye. Instead of whispered rumors, fans see outright admission. Why bother with sneaky tactics when you can get attention for being upfront?

The tools of sabotage are sometimes simple, sometimes extreme:

• Coordinating no-shows or late arrivals on show nights to disrupt rival sets

• Whisper campaigns: spreading rumors among promoters or fans to cast doubt on another band’s reputation

Bold public claims often become part of the artist’s “brand.” In the social media era, being known as someone who’s “not afraid to go there” can rally some fans even as it angers others. It’s street cred, shock value, and old-fashioned intimidation rolled into one.

Why Rivalries Shape Band Popularity and Reputation

Stories of sabotage and boycott fuel excitement but they also create lasting damage. Watching bands snipe at each other does build curiosity and gets people talking, but it can backfire. Bands seen as bullies or manipulators may win the short-term noise but risk losing respect.

Here’s how these tactics play out for band popularity:

• Boosted Fame: Controversy keeps bands in the headlines, and people love drama.

• Diehard Loyalty: Fans rally fiercely when they believe their favorite group is under attack.

• Trust Issues: Too much behind-the-scenes scheming hurts credibility and can push fans away.

The game isn’t just who plays better music—it’s also who writes the louder story. While feuds stir up passion, they also reveal the insecurities and fractures beneath the polished surface. Some bands use this to their advantage, sharpening their public image. Others get swept up and dragged down.

The Ongoing Impact on Haitian Music Culture

The ripple effects of these rivalries and tactics touch everyone. Young musicians watch closely, learning from the moves of older bands—sometimes picking up more about survival than harmony. Industry relationships get strained, and fans can be split for years by grudges that started over a single event.

Still, this cycle of feuds, boycotts, and sabotage makes the Haitian music story impossible to ignore. It’s both a warning and a call for reflection. When popular voices make a public show of sabotaging each other, they spark more than gossip—they challenge what kind of culture gets passed on to the next generation.

Strong personalities and old rivalries shape the music. But at the end of the day, it’s the fans who decide whose story—and whose sound—endures.

Racism in the Spotlight: Is Colorism a Factor in Haitian Music Disputes?

Racism and colorism are never easy topics, especially in a culture where music is supposed to unite. Even so, these issues have shaped how people act and who feels safe or powerful in the public eye. When Maestro Richie questioned if skin color helped Reynaldo feel bold enough to call himself a “master of boycotting,” it forced everyone to look past simple band beef. The bigger truth is, in Haiti, color still matters—even at the top of the music scene.

Facing the Shadows: How Colorism Works in Haiti

Colorism is an open secret in Haiti. Fairer skin is still seen by many as a ticket to respect or opportunity. You see it in politics, business, television, and yes, in music. Bands with lighter-skinned members often get “elite” labels, while those with darker members face steeper climbs and quieter doors slammed in their faces. Fans and insiders both know these unwritten rules, even when nobody wants to say them out loud.

Here’s how it can show up:

• Event bookings: Promoters see elite image as good for business, choosing who headlines and who opens.

• Sponsorships and partnerships: Companies—sometimes without meaning to—look for faces that “fit” their brand, which often means a lighter look.

  
  

Racism runs deeper than fan drama. Haiti’s history makes it tangled, emotional, and hard to change. But every time someone like Richie calls it out, it shines a light on who gets to decide what’s “normal” behavior in public.

It’s not just about attitude—social permission matters. In Haiti, lighter-skinned figures have often moved through life with extra confidence, knowing that backlash, shame, or real punishment doesn’t hit them as hard as it might hit others. That’s why Richie’s question matters: he’s asking if color gives some people a sense of protection or “backing” that lets them act as bold gatekeepers.

Take Reynaldo’s live interview as an example. His comfort admitting sabotage is unusual, even reckless. Yet, with the right support or family name, those lines get blurry. Everyone in the industry watches who gets called out, who is allowed to slip by, and who gets a pass when they cross the line.

• Social circles shield bad actors: Close ties and long histories mean certain people can act up with less fear of backlash.

• Public image is managed differently: Lighter-skinned figures return to the spotlight faster, often seen as more “redeemable.”

• Gatekeeping is real: Party organizers, sponsors, and even fans lock doors for some while rolling out the red carpet for others.

For darker-skinned artists and fans, seeing someone boast so openly stirs frustration. It’s less about one argument, and more about generations of seeing the rules change depending on who’s involved. Reputations aren’t simply about music—they’re about who gets to misbehave and who pays the price.

The True Cost in the Music Community

When colorism becomes part of public conflict, everyone pays. It shapes how rivalries start, how they’re solved, and who even gets to make noise in the first place. For artists, dealing with bias can mean working twice as hard for half the respect. For fans, it can turn enthusiasm into quiet bitterness and old divisions that music should heal.

Key impacts:

• Distrust grows: Talent takes a back seat to appearance or connections. People lose faith in fairness.

• Band culture splits: Old color lines pull people apart, even when everyone loves the same music.

• Artists avoid real issues: Musicians and leaders sometimes stay quiet to avoid backlash, leaving hard questions hanging.

Colorism isn’t just baggage from Haiti’s past—it’s an active player in today’s disputes. Public figures like Richie asking about it means the conversation won’t stop. It’s not just about who sabotaged whom. It’s about what kind of future the music scene is building, and who gets a fair chance to shine.

Lessons and Takeaways: What Can the Haitian Music Scene Learn?

The events surrounding Klass, TVice, and Reynaldo Martino show more than just band rivalry. They shine a light on deep issues that have always run beneath the surface in Haitian music: the role of race, public behavior, and the struggles over who gets to speak up without fear. By looking at the fallout of these recent clashes, we can start to see the bigger lessons for artists, fans, and everyone invested in this music community.

Learning From What Happened

The way this story unfolded reveals patterns that many have ignored or simply tolerated for too long. There are a few lessons everyone should take away from this latest storm:

• Avoid brushing tough issues aside. Staying silent about colorism or bias lets frustration fester and sends the wrong message to the HMI.

• Accountability matters, no matter who you are. Public figures can’t expect respect if they take bold shots at others and never face real questions or consequences.

• Open talk brings change. Richie asking about color in public started a conversation that should have happened years ago.

Holding the mirror up to the industry isn’t comfortable, but it’s where growth starts.

Building More Respectful Competition

Rivalries bring energy and excitement to music, but respect must stay at the center. Without it, competition turns ugly and divides the very people the music aims to unite. The Haitian music scene can push for fair play and support even when bands disagree by doing things like:

• Setting clear ground rules for shows and collaborations

• Leaders calling out harmful tactics, regardless of who’s involved

• Fans rewarding integrity as much as hits

When everyone agrees on basic respect, it raises the standard for the whole scene.

Tackling Colorism and Bias Head On

The only way to break the pattern is to keep talking about it and acting to fix it. Colorism is often the elephant in the room—everyone knows it exists, but nobody wants to be the first to speak up. This incident spelled out that ignoring the problem won’t make it vanish. If anything, it hands power to those willing to use old biases for their own advantage.

The industry has tools at hand:

• Bands and media can highlight talent from all backgrounds, not just the usual faces

• Event organizers can be transparent about bookings and give everyone a fair shot

• Artists can use their platforms to open honest conversations with fans

When respected figures make these moves, others will follow. Fans support artists who are real and who stand for something meaningful.

Creating Space for Honest Dialogue

Music, at its best, bridges gaps and brings people together. When public debates expose uncomfortable truths, it’s tempting to retreat into safer, quieter topics. But the Haitian music community is strong enough to handle real talk about color, privilege, and rivalry—if the right spaces are created for those talks.

Consider these steps:

1. Host regular forums (online or in person) where artists and fans can discuss issues without finger-pointing

2. Encourage radio hosts to invite different viewpoints, rather than fanning the flames

3. Start public campaigns against hate speech or bias, showing that the scene expects better

A little structure and a lot of empathy make all the difference.

A Path Forward for Unity

If the industry wants to move past these old wounds, it must walk the walk, not just talk the talk. True unity comes from putting respect before rivalry and courage before comfort. Every time leaders take a stand against colorism, or fans cheer for fairness, the needle moves closer to real change.

Key takeaways for the future of Haitian music:

• Let honesty be louder than ego.

• Set examples from the top—what leaders do, others follow.

• Support artists not just for their songs, but for their character.

This moment is another chance for the Haitian music world to write a new story. Let’s push for a scene where talent is what counts, respect is given freely, and tough topics are faced—not feared.

Conversations like this do more than spark gossip—they challenge all of us to look honestly at what shapes our music scene. When bold claims get aired and tough topics like colorism are raised, it’s a chance for growth, not just controversy. These moments call for everyone—artists, fans, and insiders—to rethink old habits and listen more closely to each other.

Real change starts with honest talk and open minds. By caring about fairness and facing uncomfortable truths, we help build a better, stronger community. Thanks for reading, and please share your own thoughts or stories below—every voice adds value to this ongoing conversation.

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