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Haiti Independence Concert

Beethovas Obas: University of Maryland

Black Parents: Vini'm Pale'w Cheri

HME Awards: Haitians Standing Tall

NOAH Gala 2002

Jean-Claude Eugene: Singer, Writer, Director

On Display: Haitians in the community

 

Tabou Combo website

JCV PRODUCTIONS
AWARDS 2002

The 2002 JCV Productions Awards, promoter Jean-Claude Vivens' way of saying thank you, mèsi, to some in the Washington, DC, Haitian community, was put into perspective by Luc Bernard, of Lakay Productions, who said, as he accepted his award, "nap vini, gen kominote pli avanse ke nou, men nou av vini." We're getting there. Although there are communities more advanced than us, we're getting there.

Jean-Claude Vivens was also celebrating the 12th anniversary of his cable television show, Haiti a Suivre. The show, on public access television, is the only Haitian television program currently in the DC area. From week to week, the show provides news from Haiti, public service announcements, community events, and most of all, the latest music videos. Jean-Claude has also been one of the most enduring and versatile bal promoters in the region, bringing bands like Tabou Combo, Black Parents, and Beethovas Obas, among others.

The night celebrated the television show's success, along with five individuals from the community; DJ Woolado from Columbia, Maryland, Ginau Mathurin of EchodHaiti.com, Alex Sanon for his artistic work in the community, Luc Bernard for his cultural events, and Lyonel Simeon, better known as "Yonyon," for his community service. The audience was treated to several fine musical performances, including Tabou Combo, Doudou Chancy, and Fanfan.

DJ Woolado has come on the scene and brought a new rhythm to the community with his popular parties. He is also involved with Xpoze Magazine, a local entertainment magazine. Ginau Mathurin, known by some as "the Haitian Paparazzi," covers many events in the community for EchodHaiti.com. Alex Sanon, a talented graphic designer, has literally changed the look of the community with his artistic contribution to Trait d'Union Newsletter, and the special look of Haitian event flyers. Luc Bernard of Lakay Productions has entertained the community with every thing from dance troops to theater to concerts by some of the hottest bands around. Say Lyonel Simeon and people might scratch their heads, but say "Yonyon," and you'll see people grin from ear to ear. Yonyon has fed the whole community with his catering service, but his place of business is more of a community center, where people go to relax and meet each other. Chez Yonyon catering is also the place to get tickets to any Haitian event.

One of the night's most memorable performers was guitarist, Fanfan, an emerging local artist. Fanfan's music is influence by rock and reggae. His style is catching on with the local audience, who gave him a warm reception. Doudou Chancy, the "Haitian Kenny G.," is magic with the saxophone. His mastery of the instrument gives a different aspect to Haitian music, however the night's headliner was Tabou Combo.

Lè Tabou frape, when Tabou Combo plays, those who think they're funky get up, either for the great Konpa they play or for the respect they command as the architects of today's Konpa music. After more than 30 years, Tabou Combo can still command a crowd. With one of today's hotte-st songs, "Haiti, kijanm anvi wèw," the band is still as hot as ever. According to Shoubou, the latest CD from international superstar Santana contains a remake of one of Tabou's most popular songs.

Two performers, Eric Virgal and Orlane, could not make it to the celebration. In all, it was an enjoyable night. It was a night for celebrating JCV Productions, Haiti a Suivre, some individuals throughout the community, and our musical heritage. As Luc Bernard said, "nap vini..."

© echodhaiti.com, 1/2003