By Smith Georges
New York - The producers and organizers of “Compas on Broadway”, and particularly the founder Richard Urbain bypassed Brooklyn College, crossed over the Brooklyn Bridge to land at Lincoln Center, a center known for the performance of American classics, opera, philharmonic and symphonic orchestras. A venue where some of the most reputable international artists of the world showcase their ingenuities. Kicking off the first “Compas on Broadway” at Lincoln Center was a gargantuan and godzillean step in the Haitian community. For effort, the producers of the event deserve an A+. Red carpet inscribed with the words “Compas on Broadway” was rolled to welcome the Haitian stars and nominees of the evening. The event was also a tribute to Haitian music legend Nemours Jean-Baptiste, the creator/inventor/founder of Compas (Direct). The wife, daughter, family members, friends and supporters of Nemours were present. As one attendee opined on her way out after the show, “If the show were to be judged as success or failure, the show was definitely a success,” she said, and we agree. After the show, the bulk of the audience was still in the lobby for a good while socializing. The people did not want to leave the place. It was like a fashion show. The community was dressed at its best. It was the Haitian version of the Grammy Awards.
Haitians are very political and politics can be a very divisive and passionate issue among Haitians in Haiti and the Diaspora. But last night’s event was an antidote to Haitian political discord, at least for a while. It was an evening to celebrate and savor the delicious and exquisite rhythm of Compas and all the other alternatives (Racine, Jazz, Gospel, etc…) that the Haitian musical repertoire has to offer. Among Politicians and dignitaries who were in attendance, we spotted Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene, who made history by becoming first Haitian-American Councilmember in New York City, Councilmember David Yassky, the first female Haitian Prime Minister Michele Duvivier Pierre Louis, Haiti Ambassador to Washington Raymond Joseph and Haitian Consul General in New York Felix Augustin.
One of the organizers, who prefers to remain anonymous, confided that they did not have any major sponsors. But there was a surprising announcement last night where representatives from Delta Airlines came on stage to confirm Delta Airlines will start undertaking daily round trip flights to Haiti starting June 20th of this year. The enthusiastic reaction of the audience showed clearly that Delta is welcome, and it’s about time that American Airlines gets some real competition.
Haitian superstar King Kino, who may not be currently at his peak, has just released a new album and he had this to say in the video promo for Compas on Broadway, “Haitian people like to give out report cards. They will issue a report card to Compas on Broadway. You will either get several stars, or receive a yellow card, or a red card.” (Translated from Haitian Creole).
Calling Last night Awards’ event the first Haitian Music Awards is a stretch. There have been other Haitian Music Awards in the past. And we should not dismiss them. However, the Venue (Lincoln Center) chosen for last night’s Haitian Music Awards surpassed all the previous ones in term of prestige and class. According to one organizer, the method that was used to select the nominees and the winners was fair, open and democratic. Haitians and people of Haitian descent were reached out in the U.S., Canada, France and throughout the rest of the Diaspora, and even as far as Australia. Ballot boxes were placed throughout the community and people also voted via email.
Somewhat the show did not start on its best foot. As the night progressed, things got much better. Haitian diva Emeline Michel made here entry on stage without even being introduced. But her performance was dazzling. Her savvy mastery and command of the stage didn‘t leave any doubt that she is an iconic figure of Haitian music. Emeline’s amazing husky voice can rival any singer on the world stage. Emeline won two well deserved awards as Female Artist of the Year and Best Female Vocalist of the Year. The prominent Haitian-American comedian Wil Sylvince (of HBO Def Comedy Jam / NBC Universal’s Comedy Short Cuts Film Festival / BET’s One Mic Stand) woke up the crowd the audience with his spicy and sparkling jokes that he tapped from the rich day-to-day routine of Haitians‘ life. Sylvince’s jokes at times made metaphorical references to Haitian parents by exaggerating their behavior with a stretch elastic enough to make you laugh until you cry. Guy Evans Ford, the MC, who joined the stage a little late, was superb. There were other visible mishaps that interspersed throughout the evening , such as videos introduction for different categories that were not always played on time. The homage video to Nemours Jean-Baptiste was partially played due to time confinement, but the audience’s insatiable appetite to learn a little more about this Haitian legend was not satisfied. Had time been managed more efficiently, the video could have probably been played in its entirety. Several award winners were not present due to prior engagement. We have rated the show in the following categories: Effort of producers and organizers: 100; Venue (Lincoln Center): 95; Red Carpet reception: 100; Video presentation: 70; Stage coordination: 70; Sound System: 90; MC: 90; Time Management: 70; Award presentation: 70; Artists Performance: 90; OVERALL: 84.50.
If a “Best Performance Award” were to be given to a group for just last night, Zekle would have been undoubtedly the winner. The group really captivated the mind and attention of the audience. Joel Widmaier of Zekle was astounding. Zekle was remarkable and exceptional in its display of professionalism and discipline on stage. Boukman Eksperyans delivered also a good performance. But the group seems to have lost some of its groove. There were other wonderful bands that performed, such as Kreyola and Tempo.
Nu look is unquestionably at its peak. The group swept five major categories and showcased the polished talent of its musicians with such a sultry Compas performance and an impeccably dressed group. Arly Lariviere charmed the crowd. The audience was singing along with him. Nu look should have also won the “Best Dressed Group” award of the night. But there was not a such category.
A very well deserved lifetime achievement award was presented to Isnard Douby of the group System Band.
We congratulate all the winners: ABO (Nu Look): Album of the year; Nu Look (Full band format): Band of the Year; Gazman Pierre (Nu Look): Male Artist of the Year; Alan Cave (Zin): Best Male Vocalist of the Year; Harmonick: Best New Group; Tropicana: Best Traditional Group; Illusion (Nu Look): Song of the Year; Carimi: Band of the Year (mini Band format); Emeline Michel: Female Artist of the Year; Emeline Michel: Best Female Vocalist of the Year; RAM: Best Racine Group of the Year; Alabanza: Best Gospel Group; Barikad Crew: Best Hip Hop/Ray Kreyol Group/Artist; Jean H. Richie: Best Music Producer; Evans Jean: Best Radio Host; Arly Lariviere (Nu Look): Band Leader of the Year; Jessie Ahlkal: Best Band/Artist Manager; DJ Fanfan: Best Music DJ; Mushy Widmaier: Best Haitian Jazz; Sak Fet Nan Carimi: Best Music Video of the Year.
The producers and organizers deserve the support of the entire Haitian community and a standing ovation for their efforts. Let’s make the Haitian Music Awards an annual rendez-vous at the famous Lincoln Center, where Haitians can continue to enjoy Compas on Broadway generations after generations. Since there is always room for improvement, hopefully next year Compas on Broadway can ascend the scale and improve its score from 84.5 to at least 90.
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