Kreyol La (often stylized as Kreyōl La) is a Haitian compas band.[3][4] The group has performed throughout the world, most notably in the Caribbean, Canada, France and the United States through various concerts, carnivals, and festivals.[5][6][7]

Kreyol La
OriginPétion-Ville, Haiti[1]
GenresCompas
Years active2005–present
LabelsPara Music Group[2]
Members
  • T-Jo Zenny
  • Stanley Hérissé
  • Fabrice Fombrun
  • Antonio Guillaune

History

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Kreyol La was founded in January 2005 after the disbandment of Konpa Kreyol.[5][8] When keyboardist David Dupoux started his own band with Mikaben called Krezi Mizik, the rest of Konpa Kreyol led by Tjo Zenny became Kreyol La. Initially, Kreyol La was much less sophisticated than its predecessor, imploring a sound that was closer to the street culture of Port-au-Prince[9] but paved the way for it in becoming a key contributor to the electronic scene of the New Generation of Compas.[10] Since March 2008, after an experience with drum machines, Kreyol La has been retooled in evolving into a “full band” format, harmonizing the keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and percussion of old that drew closer to the sounds of Konpa Kreyol. Until the release of Invictus in 2015, it arguably has become one of the more sophisticated album release to date while making the case for exceeding the musical direction of Konpa Kreyol.[9]

Members

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Current[11]

  • Tjo Zenny – lead vocals (2005–)
  • Stanley Hérissé – bassist and musical director
  • Fabrice Fombrun – keyboard
  • Antonio Guillaune – drummer

Former[5]

  • Joubert Charles – manager (2005–2010; deceased, 2010 Haiti earthquake)
  • Ti Ansyto – vocals (2005–2014)
  • Vladmir Alexis – drummer (2005–2014)

Discography

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Studio albums[2][11]
  • Viktwa (2006)
  • Evolution (2010)
  • Invictus (2015)
  • Domination (2018)
  • Emotion (2020)

References

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  1. ^ Rennela, Jean, ed. (9 June 2015). "Le groupe de compas haïtien Kreyol La a cartonné au Royal Riviera". France Antilles. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  2. ^ a b Freslet, Gilles, ed. (11 April 2018). "Kreyòl La signe avec un label américain pour dominer le marché international". Le Nouvelliste. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  3. ^ Dirksen, Rebecca, ed. (11 January 2018). After the Dance, the Drums Are Heavy Carnival, Politics, and Musical Engagement in Haiti. Oxford University Press. p. 395. ISBN 9780190928056. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  4. ^ Collectif, Ouvrage, ed. (21 January 2016). Prix Stéphane Hessel de la Jeune Ecriture Francophone: Recueil de nouvelles et de poèmes. Le Texte Vivant. p. 105. ISBN 9782367230573. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Freslet, Gilles, ed. (22 December 2015). "Kreyòl La, 10 ans déjà !". Le Nouvelliste. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  6. ^ Donnelly, Laura (ed.). "Pwofite Tèt Ou"(Avail YOourself): The Minoritarian Politics of Haitian Music in Paris". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  7. ^ Charles, Jacqueline, ed. (13 May 2019). "Haiti canceled Carnival. But these artists are making it up at the Haitian Compas Festival in Miami". Miami Herald. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  8. ^ Kreyol la (Africultures - Les Mondes En Relation)
  9. ^ a b Press, ed. (23 December 2015). "Toppa Top '15: The 15 Best Caribbean Albums of 2015". Large Up. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  10. ^ Fleury, Jean Sénat, ed. (11 January 2018). Jean-Jacques Dessalines Words from Beyond the Grave. Xlibris US. p. 54. ISBN 9781984538918. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  11. ^ a b Alexandre, Richard, ed. (12 July 2020). "Une première vente-signature pour « Émotion », le nouvel album de Kreyòl La". Le Nouvelliste. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
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