Photo: VAYB’s lead singer Mickael Guirand.
St. Maarten’s 2023 Carnival season is in full gear, and this year’s flagship show, TelCell’s Night of the Hitmakers, slated for Saturday, April 29, will surely be one to remember. Taking the stage this year are international artistes VAYB Buleria and Destra, and the number one dance band in St. Maarten, Control Band. So this promises to be a night of non-stop dancing and entertainment, with hits after hits.
Leading up to the much-anticipated event, we have been introducing each of the legendary Hitmakers gracing the stage this year. This week, we (re)introduce to you the legendary Compas group VAYB.
VAYB
The landscape of Haitian music has changed and been enriched by the colours and sounds of VAYB’s eight talented members – Mickael Guirand as lead singer, Shedly Abraham on the drums, Benjamin Guirand as maestro and on the keyboard, Jude Delouches as lead guitarist and vocalist, Sheldon Clement on percussion, Serge Sainhilaire as lead keyboard player, Frtizreynold Cadet on the bass and Yves Andre Keslin on the floor tom.
A new generation of Compas has emerged and the group’s styling infuses diverse genres of music that transcends cultures and sounds, bringing a fresh and innovative blend to Haitian culture.
The careers of the band members began separately, but have joined forces to keep their music fresh yet imprinted with the iconic Compas rhythm. With musical icons like Mickael Guirand from Cairmi and Sheldy Abraham, one of the most talented drummers and producers in the industry, the relatively new band aims to conquer the all so demanding Compas fans.
VAYB is currently based in New York but performs worldwide, most notably in US cities like Miami, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and many more. Throughout their most recent tours in Martinique, Guadeloupe, France, and Canada, the band has participated in the promotion of Haitian Compas, and strengthened its foot print worldwide.
Band members’ debut album “Game Over” is filled with melodies that captivate audiences, reveal the group’s talent and originality in each track and bring about a Compas renaissance.
Tickets cost $40 per person and are on sale at Van Dorp, Adolphus Office Supplies, Domino’s Pizza and Levi’s Boutique.
