T-Vice
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| T-Vice | |
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 Haitian musical duo; brothers Roberto and Reynaldo, original founders and one half of T-Vice.
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Vice Squad |
| Origin |  Haiti |
| Genre(s) | Kompa |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals Guitar |
| Years active | 1991-Present |
| Website | T-Vice.com |
| Members | |
| Roberto Martino Reynaldo Martino Gerald Kebreau James Cardozo Olivier Duret Rivenson Louissanit Eddy Junior Viau |
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T-Vice is a popular Haitian Compas music band that formed in 1991. They are currently based in Miami, Florida.
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[edit] History
The musical group was formed in 1991 by brothers Roberto and Reynaldo Martino, sons of renowned Haitian guitarist Robert Martino of the classic Top Vice band, T-Vice's predecessor. Longtime friends James Cardozo and Gerald Kebreau were soon added thus completing the quartet as they were originally known as and still known today. Roberto and Reynaldo had thought of the idea of creating their own group through the musical influence and inspiration they received from Top Vice in which their father was the lead guitarist.
[edit] Musical Style
T-Vice is known for their catchy lyrics and energetic vibe, as well as the modern party scene they bring into the genre of compas. Musical influences from reggae, merengue, flamenco and modern synthesizing from rock 'n' roll have made the group one of the most innovative musicians of the genre. The group's performances have helped popularize the already rapidly growing musical style and Haitian music in general. The band has traveled to European, and Caribbean countries, as well as U.S states for concerts. The band's debut album "Kompa Kontak" helped gain the group some recognition and the album's success led to the release of many others. In October 2006, T-Vice released a new album titled Kité'm Viv.
T-Vice has collaborated with many other Haitian artists including Wyclef Jean along with Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton for the hit single Party By The Sea. T-Vice are thus far the only Haitian compas artists to be featured on B.E.T as well as B.E.T.J.
[edit] Hardship and Success
Many sought to attribute the band's success to their relationship with patriarch Robert Martino (known as The Living Legend), as well as the steadfast managerial genus of Jessie Al-khal (mother of Roberto and Reynaldo) and her brother Pierrot Al-khal. Among their toughest critics has been solo music rival Sweet Micky. The two have since come to terms and have even worked together. T-Vice were victimized in the late 90s by a vicious rumor which was later proven to have been fabricated. It was widely believed that a jealous rival had begun the falsehood. T-Vice has also been involved in a noticeably ongoing "feud" with successful Kompa band Djakout Mizik. Both groups have recorded "Kanavals" (Haitian carnival music) where they heavily target the rival. For example in T-Vice's most recent Kanaval they label the lead singer of Djakout Mizik, Pouchon Duveger, as a "chante kabrit" (Haitian Creole) literally translating to goat singer. However, regardless of their supposed ongoing feud, members of both group share an amically professional friendship.
In 1999 T-Vice were invited as performers in the West Indian Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway where they delivered their praised performance that led to a featured appearance on New York's Daily News. The performance was considered by many spectators as one of the best of the carnival. Year after year T-Vice has continued to participate in the Labor day parade.
On July 13th 2007, they celebrated their 15 year anniversary in New York City. People lined up for several blocks attempting to enter the crowded S.O.B.'s night club, and many lingered well past 4am in hopes of catching a glance of the Haitian superstars. T-Vice has continued to rise in popularity despite many of their harshest critics.
Over the years, T-Vice has become one of the most successful compas bands of the modern era.
[edit] Members
- Roberto Martino (born Jun 13, 1975) - Lead singer and guitarist/composer
- Reynaldo Martino (born May 11, 1978) - Singer, Composer and Maestro.
- Gerald Kebreau (born Jun 18, 1971) - Bass guitarist
- James Cardozo (born Jan 7, 1973) - Singer/vocals, Keytar
- Oliver Duret (born August 4, 1981)- co - singer
- Rivenson Louissaint - (born June 6, 1984)- Drummer
- Eddy Junior Viau - (born 5, 1984)- Percussionist
- Jessie Al-Khal (born June 10)- Manager
[edit] International Impact
T-Vice is well recognized for the fact that as a Haitian musical group they have broken the typical local performance scene common to other bands (performing solely in Haiti) and have traveled to many places throughout the Americas and Europe in order to perform. They are often considered musical rivals to another compas great Sweet Mickey. Many even consider T-Vice as being the new Tabou Combo as a result of their international touring that is unparalleled by their contemporaries. Excluding Haiti, T-Vice has performed in the neighboring Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Aruba, Canada, France,Australia, and New Caledonia as well as various U.S cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Orlando, and Boston. They have achieved moderate international success and have recently been invited by officials to represent the Caribbean in an important event to be held in Australia to celebrate the diverse music of the world's cultures. Manager Jessie Al-Khal has also managed to secure the band a much coveted prominent performance in the upcoming U.S. Presidents Ball to be held later this year.
[edit] Discography
- Kité'm Viv
- Vinn Pran Not
- Banm T-Vice Mwen
- Di'm Sa'w We
- The Real Deal
- Epi That's It
- Min Medikaman'an
- In The House
- Kompa Kontak
- Kotem Prantan
