Vayb Celebrates 8 Years!

By Moses St Louis

Eight years ago today, Mickael Guirand took a brave step, leaving Carimi and starting fresh with Vayb. Since then, the band has put its stamp on Konpa music, reaching listeners far beyond Haiti’s borders.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but Vayb’s high-energy sound and heartfelt lyrics have won fans all over the HMI. Two albums later, their momentum keeps growing, and their 8th anniversary proves they’re here to stay.

Every story has a fork in the road. For Mickael Guirand, that split came when he parted ways with Carimi and set his sights on something new. The roots of Vayb stretch back to years of experience, heartache, and the constant drive to bring Konpa to fresh ears. Understanding how Vayb came alive means looking at where Mickael started and the bold choices he made along the way.

Mickael Guirand's name is tied to modern Konpa, but his musical journey goes back to the streets of Port-au-Prince. He began his path with the group Kadans, learning every rhythm and nuance of Haiti’s signature sound.

When Mickael moved to the United States, he didn’t leave his roots behind; he brought them with him. That passion led him, alongside Richard Cave and Carlo Vieux (also from Kadans), to create Carimi. The band didn’t just play Konpa; they modernized it with fresh lyrics and a youthful energy that won over a new generation.

Mickael’s time with Carimi proved his ability to lead, innovate, and connect. Whether on stage or in the studio, his voice and style helped make Carimi a household name. More than a singer, he became a driving force, shaping what Konpa could sound like and feel like for fans at home and abroad.

Leaving a popular band like Carimi wasn’t easy, but Mickael saw a chance to liberate himself,  to start fresh and push Konpa in a new direction. Right from the start, Vayb set out to make its own mark.

Vayb faced plenty of challenges early on, from having to start from fresh to creating chemistry with new members. Even so, the band kept its eyes on sharing Konpa with a wider audience. Supported by Mickael’s vision and the lessons learned in Carimi, they quickly established themselves in the HMI as one of the top bands. It didn’t take long before Vayb became known for its music, thoughtful albums, and spreading Haitian music to new corners of the map.

Through these efforts, Vayb carved out an identity that stands strong, proudly carrying the Konpa torch into the future.

Every band faces its share of hurdles on the road to long-term success, and Vayb is no different. Their story is marked by big wins and rough patches that could have slowed their progress. Through tough decisions, unexpected obstacles, and standout moments, the group kept moving forward and managed to make a name for themselves in Konpa music.

Each tough moment became a reason to keep pushing harder. With hard work, a tight core of dedicated members, and support from loyal fans, Vayb kept turning these challenges into fuel for growth.

Even with obstacles, Vayb’s drive for excellence led to standout milestones, making their mark both in Haiti and with audiences abroad. These victories pushed the group into new territory and showed what was possible for Konpa on the world stage.

• Hit singles: Songs like “Ou pa lan plas mwen” and “Mayday” quickly became anthems, pulling in Konpa lovers wherever Vayb played. Their tracks bring catchy hooks, honest stories, and a polished sound, setting them apart in a crowded field.

• Successful album releases: With two well-produced albums under their belt, Vayb secured its spot among Konpa’s top acts. Both records showcased versatility, from slow burners to party starters, each track polished and flowing with energy.

• Memorable concerts: Vayb’s live reputation keeps growing. Whether playing in  Miami, Paris, or Montreal, they connect with fans and create nights to remember. Their anniversary shows and special events are highlights for many in the Konpa community.

• Continued growth overseas: Spreading Haitian music isn’t easy, but Vayb kept Konpa visible outside Haiti especially with n their big concert at the iconi “Zenith” in Paris.

These moments proved Vayb could move beyond challenges to reach new heights. They’ve created something lasting in Konpa music—a band built on trust, hard work, and unforgettable songs that travel far beyond where they started.

Vayb’s blend of stage presence, crowd interaction, and musical skill transforms concerts into shared experiences. Each event strengthens their growing base, connecting Haitians abroad and winning fans from all walks of life.

Vayb's eight-year journey is a clear example of how talent, vision, and persistence can bring new life to tradition. Mickael Guirand took a chance when he stepped away from Carimi, but his belief in Konpa pushed the music into new spaces and onto big stages. With two standout albums and a growing  audience, Vayb’s story keeps inspiring both longtime fans and newcomers. Here’s to Mickael, the band, and the songs that keep Haitian music moving forward. Thank you for being part of this journey—share your favorite Vayb memories below, and stay tuned for the next chapter.