VIBZ NATION

Biography

 

 

Richie was born holding drumsticks. At the age of 6 he was banging on every tin can in his house. In grade school he sat on a complete drum set for the first time. He was 11 years old and was made music leader.

He put together a group he called “Power X” with the members of his graduating class. They recorded 3 songs that were played over and over on the local radios. In 1990 they also wrote a jingle for 4VKB Radio in Cap Haitien that they continue to use today.
When he graduated from college, Richie traveled to the US where he entered the university to complete his studies in music technology. He was never interested in Haitian music. His style was punk and he played heavy metal. Following an experience with a Jamaican group where he could not get use to their smoking habits, Richie decided to try playing compas. In 1992 he put together the group “Tapaj” they lasted 4 years.
His friend Brutus co-founder of Zenglen asked him to join the group in 1997. He was still not convinced compas music would be his priority, so he was just doing the gigs. In 99 he became a member of the band. Shortly after he composed the hit “Tempo.” The band members found it a natural progression to have him ensure the musical direction of the band. Richie went on to deliver a series of hits “Let it groove”, “Do it right”, “5 Etwal”, “Child support” just to name a few.
This talented musician has proven himself invaluable to the Haitian Music Industry. Still he strives to take compas music to a level of recognition on the international market.