The Legend of Papash, Ralph Condé, Reveals His All-Time Top 20 Haitian Bands
In the ever-evolving world of Haitian music, few names command the respect and admiration that Ralph Condé does. A true legend in the Haitian Music Industry (HMI), Condé is the rare artist who has climbed to the summit not once but twice in his career. From founding the electrifying band Papash to becoming a key international force with Tabou Combo, Ralph Condé has proven himself not only as a brilliant guitarist and singer but also as a visionary who shaped the sonic language of an entire generation.
Ralph’s story begins in New York City, where he was born in 1969. His roots, however, run deep in Haiti, the country where his musical identity was truly forged. Given his first guitar at six, Ralph’s lifelong relationship with the instrument began early. By sixteen, he was already a serious musician, showcasing a talent far beyond his years.
Longtime collaborator and fellow musician Gary Didier Perez reported that their first encounter was magical. “I was walking by the Ste Thérèse Church in Pétion-Ville when I heard this guitar playing that stopped me in my tracks,” Perez recalled. “I saw this young kid sitting on a concrete fence, playing like a professional. I never heard anything like it.” That young prodigy was Ralph Condé. When Perez introduced himself as a singer, Ralph quickly gave him a tryout on an old tune called Linda—a moment that marked the beginning of a long-standing creative partnership. However, one can reasonably argue that Ralph Condé discovered Gary Didier Perez.
But Ralph Condé’s story isn’t just about musical connections. It’s about reigniting and redefining the sound of Haitian popular music. In the 1990s, when the Haitian music scene exploded with a wave of talent—artists and bands such as Mizik-Mizk, Master Dji, Sweet Micky, Zeglen (Gary Didier Perez), Panick de Petion-Ville (Sexy Frantzy), Djakout Mizik (Gracia Delva) and Emeline Michel—Ralph stood tall as one of the scene’s hottest stars. His band, Papash, became a household name, delivering smash hits like “Gade Yo” and “Feeling Papash,” which remain beloved classics to this day.
In 1994, Condé reimagined Papash into the group Vag, further proving his knack for reinvention. But it was in 1996 that he took a major leap onto the global stage, joining the iconic Tabou Combo and performing across continents—Europe, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. His contributions can be heard on several of the band’s pivotal albums, including Reference, 360 Degre, Why Not, Sans Limites, and 30 Ans au Zenith de Tabou.
A master of collaboration, Ralph has worked with some of the most renowned musicians in the French Caribbean, including Kassav’s Jacob Desvarieux and Eric Virgal. In Montreal, he founded the band Banjo and released the standout single and video Si Tu T’en Vas. In 2003, his move to Miami opened new doors, including collaborations with Top-Vice on “Nou Nan Zone La” and Nu Look, where he delivered vocals for “Fanm Ideal” and “M’anvi Pranw.”
Ralph’s artistry doesn’t end with band work. His solo career is just as impressive. With the help of producer Henry Debbs, he released the single Gwada, a massive hit in the French Antilles. In 2008, he followed up with Akoustikreyol, an album full of soul and substance featuring tracks like Fò’m Ale, Sa Pa Konplike, and Bluestring, a smooth jazz gem. He also composed the soundtrack for the Haitian film Oasis, further showcasing his versatility.
In 2012, he released Respè, a rich cultural homage to Haitian musical icons with a fusion of Latin and European influences. His 2022 album “Detour” captured the infectious spirit of Caribbean rhythms, blending Compas, Zouk, reggae, and Afrobeat into a breathtaking musical tapestry. Detour was not just an album—it was an experience celebrating life, heritage, and the global journey of Haitian music.
Today, Ralph Condé resides in Miami, Florida, where he continues shaping modern Kompa’s sound. He owns a recording studio that welcomes musicians from around the world, and he also offers online Kompa guitar lessons to aspiring artists, passing on his invaluable knowledge to the next generation.
Looking ahead, Condé is gearing up to launch his newest band, SUN 5, which fans are eagerly awaiting. Expectations are high—and rightfully so—for another groundbreaking chapter in this Hall of Famer’s extraordinary journey.
Ralph Condé isn’t just a singer, guitarist, composer, or producer. He is a cornerstone of Haitian music—a true legend who has done it all and continues to do more. Please visit ralphconde.com to purchase his merchandise.
The HMI Magazine Lightning Round: Ralph’s All-Time Top 20 Haitian Bands
In a fun and spontaneous interview segment, The Haitian Music Industry Magazine challenged the legendary Ralph Conde to list his top 20 favorite Haitian bands of all time. Without hesitation—but with humble acknowledgment—Ralph shared his list and reminded fans everywhere:
“This is just my taste. Every band brings something unique.”
⚠️ Disclaimer: The HMI Magazine Musicians’ Preferential Top 20 is only for entertainment. At The Haitian Music Industry Magazine, we believe every band has its capacity and is unique. No band is better than another—it’s simply a matter of personal choice and style. Let’s continue celebrating the rich diversity of Haitian music!
Ralph Conde’s All-Time Top 20 Haitian Bands
- Tabou Combo
- Zekle
- Magnum Band
- D.P. Express
- Caribbean Sextet
- Skah Shah
- System Band
- Coupé Cloué
- Les Frères Déjean de Pétion-Ville
- Bossa Combo
- Tropicana d’Haïti
- Septentrional d’Haïti
- Les Difficiles de Pétion-Ville
- Les Gypsies de Pétion-Ville
- Papash
- Mizik Mizik
- Zin
- Phantoms
- Djet-X
- Volo Volo
As the rhythms of these legendary bands continue to echo through generations, Ralph Conde’s Top 20 is more than just a list—it’s a celebration of the richness, creativity, and cultural pride embedded in Haitian music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer discovering the sounds of Konpa, Rasin, Twoubadou, Kreyol Jazz, Funky Konpa, Rap Kreyol, or mini-jazz for the first time, there’s something in this chart for everyone.
At The Haitian Music Industry Magazine, we salute all the artists and bands who have shaped the soundscape of Haiti, past and present. And while this chart captures one artist’s personal favorites, the heart of Haitian music beats strongest when we embrace the full spectrum of its voices.
Keep listening. Keep dancing. Keep honoring the legacy.
– The HMI Magazine Team –
“Honoring Icons, Telling Our Stories”
