Rafrechi: A Refreshing New Konpa

At first look, the new konpa band, Rafrechi, seems too young to know how to keep the konpa mache, but the band has spent the better part of the past year convincing fans of their musical maturity. With a mixture of hip-hop and reggae, the band is creating a new generation of fans across the Washington, DC, area, and beyond.

Straight out of Columbia, Maryland, Rafrechi is emerging with a new blend of konpa. With his baggy jeans, oversize belt buckle, and the way he grabs the mike, Pierre “kiki” Jodnerson struts on stage with a hip-hop swagger as he leads the band. He is surrounded by a group of up and coming musicians, as well as some veterans, among them, Cedryc "maestro a" Lafontant on keyboards and John "johnny" Benjamin on bass. The band’s popularity is on the rise, because of the skillful management and promotion of Wooley "DJ Woolado" Antoine. Rafrechi has played in New York, Florida, and has plans to also play in Haiti in the near future.

Rafrechi’s sound is a mellow steady konpa with a hint of reggae. The band is still young and working out their sound, but their maturity is proven on stage. With the support of their fans, the band will continue to rise and may change the course of konpa music.

© EchodHaiti.com, March 2005