T-Vice is a Haitian Compas music band that is based in Miami, Florida.
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 part of the group thus completing
the quartet
as they were originally known to be. 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.
Musical Style
T-Vice copied the revolutionized genre of kompa created by Top Vice
followed by Mickey with the energetic party vibe they brought to the
scene. Musical influences from reggae, merengue, flamenco and modern synthesizing from Ansyto, Fabrice Rouzier, Robert Charlot and Mickey rock 'n' roll
have made the group one of the most innovative musicians of the genre.
The group's performances have led them to become the current face
behind the music in large part due to their international touring. The
band has traveled to European, and Caribbean
countries, as well as U.S states for concerts. The band's debut album
"Konpa Kontak" was a hit among konpa listeners. In October 2006, T-Vice
released a new album titled Kité'm Viv.
T-Vice has collaborated with other Haitian konpa bands such as Carimi and their rival Djakout Mizik. The group appeared in the hit single Party By The Sea along with rapper Wyclef Jean and Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton.
Hardship and Success
Many sought to attribute the band's success to their relationship
with patriarch Robert Martino, as well as the steadfast managerial
genus of the Martino brothers' mother Jessie Al-Khal and their uncle
Pierrot Al-Khal. 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 Konpa band
Djakout Mizik. However, regardless of their supposed ongoing feud,
members of both group share an amically professional friendship.
Over the years, T-Vice has become one of the most successful kompa bands of the modern era.
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
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.
Discography
