Haiti has produced several talented Zouk artists who have contributed significantly to the genre's development and popularity both in the Caribbean and internationally. Some notable Haitian Zouk artists include:
T-Vice: T-Vice, one of Haiti's most celebrated Zouk bands, was formed in the early 1990s and has released several albums and singles that have become popular in Haiti and beyond. The band was founded by Roberto and Reynaldo Martino, sons of the famous Haitian guitarist Robert Martino, who was part of the classic Top Vice band, which was T-Vice's predecessor. T-Vice's band members include Reynaldo Martino (singer, composer, and maestro), Gerald Kebreau (bass guitarist), James Cardozo (singer/vocals, keytar), Oliver Duret (co-singer), Rivenson Louissaint (drummer), and Eddy Junior Viau (percussionist). Some of T-Vice's albums include "Welcome to Haiti," "Resan," and "Majestic."
https://youtu.be/p8XD8VF0CRs?si=WTVTrdHUc_-FUkLL
Carimi: Carimi, an influential Zouk band from Haiti, has played a significant role in shaping the modern Zouk scene. The band comprises Mickael Guirand, Carl Vieux, and Richard Cavé. The trio had been involved in the music industry in Haiti for several years before moving to the United States. They regrouped to form CaRiMi, which is a combination of the first two letters of their first names. CaRiMi has been credited as one of the first digital bands from the younger generation to produce music that reflects the challenging political and socio-economic situation in struggling Haiti. They have released three albums, namely, CaRiMi Live in 2002, Nasty Bizniz in 2003, and Are You Ready in 2006.
Carimi: Carimi, an influential Zouk band from Haiti, has played a significant role in shaping the modern Zouk scene. The band comprises Mickael Guirand, Carl Vieux, and Richard Cavé. The trio had been involved in the music industry in Haiti for several years before moving to the United States. They regrouped to form CaRiMi, which is a combination of the first two letters of their first names. CaRiMi has been credited as one of the first digital bands from the younger generation to produce music that reflects the challenging political and socio-economic situation in struggling Haiti. They have released three albums, namely, CaRiMi Live in 2002, Nasty Bizniz in 2003, and Are You Ready in 2006.
https://youtu.be/EjhlgdfhfWk?si=XwapDLofS_EBl6BL
Zin: Zin is a Zouk band known for their energetic performances and catchy melodies. They have a strong following in Haiti and have toured internationally, spreading the influence of Haitian Zouk music.
https://youtu.be/6SUz1HEoc1Q?si=PkKVlyyxvUR7Nz5j
Kreyol La: While primarily known for their Kompa music, Kreyol La also incorporates elements of Zouk into their repertoire. Their versatility and creativity have made them popular among fans of Caribbean music.
Kai: Kai is a Haitian Zouk artist who has gained recognition for her soulful vocals and emotional performances. She infuses her music with elements of R&B and pop, creating a unique fusion of sounds.\
https://youtu.be/r20ZRPw7MPQ?si=2XQVo4vRusgsN68r
https://youtu.be/r20ZRPw7MPQ?si=2XQVo4vRusgsN68r
Site for Research:
https://www.last.fm/tag/zouk/artists
https://www.afromix.org/html/musique/styles/zouk/index.en.html
Book:
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203934548-15/haiti-gage-averill-lois-wilcken
https://books.google.tt/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Se0ozsSexmEC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=Zouk+artists+in+haiti&ots=TJpxx2gG8P&sig=FM0dsgdeDeLz1858-WRpog4SelY&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Zouk%20artists%20in%20haiti&f=falseWebsite for more Info :
https://www.last.fm/tag/zouk/artists
https://www.discogs.com/search/?style_exact=Zouk&country_exact=Haiti
References:
T-vice - Band - Miami, FL. (n.d.). WeddingWire. Retrieved May 5, 2024, from
https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/t-vice-miami/5b921511eda4425e.html Today, H. N. (2023, August 21). Carimi Haitian Band: Members, Songs & Albums. Haiti News Today. https://www.haitinewstoday.com/carimi-haitian-band/
(Done by Mariella Dickson and sachin Boodram)