Tabou Combo: To Be Inducted into the HMI Magazine Hall of Fame – Class of 2025
Tabou Combo is one of the most influential bands in Haitian music history, credited with revolutionizing compas (also spelled konpa), Haiti’s signature dance music. With a remarkable career spanning over five decades, the band has not only defined the genre but carried it to international stages, earning its reputation as Haiti’s ultimate musical ambassador.
The Birth of a Legend
Formed in 1968 in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Tabou Combo was the vision of childhood friends Albert Chancy Jr. and Herman Nau. Their mission was clear: to modernize traditional Haitian rhythms while preserving the infectious groove of compas. Initially known as Los Incognitos, the band changed to Tabou Combo in 1968, aligning itself more closely with Haitian cultural identity.
That same year, the band gained national recognition after winning a televised talent competition. Their sound quickly evolved, blending compas with funk, soul, Latin, and rock elements. This fusion gave birth to a unique style that resonated far beyond Haiti’s borders.
The Road to Stardom
According to original member Yvon André “Kapi,” on August 11, 1970, Tabou Combo held a farewell night at the Ibo Lele Hotel before officially disbanding. He explained that they were simply teenagers having fun and not yet a professional band. Despite this, they managed to record an LP titled “Souvenir,” of which only 500 copies were printed. Sales figures were never officially reported.
Kapi further explained that on August 18, 1970, Albert Chancy left for Canada to study abroad. The next day, Herman Nau and Jean-Claude Jean traveled to New York City, and about a month later, Kapi rejoined them. There, they reunited with Sergo Guerrier, one of the original vocalists of Tabou Combo, who introduced them to a young and talented guitarist named Dadou Pasquet. He proved to be the perfect fit to replace Albert, who had settled in Canada.
By November 1970, Tabou Combo was reassembled and fully active. In early 1971, Fanfan Ti Bot (formally Yves Joseph Fanafan) and the now-legendary lead singer Shoubou also arrived in New York, solidifying the band’s golden lineup.
Breaking Barriers
Tabou Combo is widely recognized as the first Haitian band to perform at many of France’s most prestigious venues, including Zénith, Bercy, L’Olympia de Paris, and Le Casino de Paris. They were also pioneers in the Caribbean, performing at the Creole Festival in Dominica and the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Additionally, they were the first Caribbean band to top the French Hit Parade and the first Haitians to perform in Japan in 1990—sharing the stage with Venezuelan legend Oscar D’León in four major cities.
According to Kapi and others close to the band, Tabou Combo has graced many elite stages and performed for notable dignitaries and international artists. For example, they played for the Société Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Courchevel and at the château in Bordeaux, France. They also performed at the World Music Festival in Belgium and Denmark, entertaining a crowd of 100,000 people.
In the United States, they opened for Jimmy Buffett at a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 60,000 people in attendance. Their international reach spans Germany, Rome, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Gabon, and Benin, where they performed at the Vodum Festival in January 2024. Their performance impressed the President of Benin so much that he invited the band to dine at his private residence.
In the summer of 1997, Tabou Combo toured nearly every Caribbean island during an ambitious 41-island tour, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, which remain fan-favorite strongholds. They have also performed in the Dominican Republic with Johnny Ventura and participated in Show del Cuatro in 1979. So beloved are they in Panama that the local population affectionately claims Tabou Combo as their own.
Their next highly anticipated international collaboration will feature Tabou Combo and French-Caribbean star Joe Dwet File.
Breakthrough and Global Success
According to Tabou Combo’s official website, one of their most significant breakthroughs came in 1974 with the release of “New York City”, a track that became an anthem in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Europe, and the United States. The song’s high-energy blend of compas, funk, and disco introduced Haitian music to a global audience and earned the band a loyal international following.
In 1989, the album Aux Antilles cemented their dominance across the Caribbean and Europe. It topped the charts for six consecutive weeks and won Best Album of Haitian Dance Music at the 1991 Caribbean Music Awards at New York’s legendary Apollo Theater.
Their hit “Kitem Fe Zafè Mwen” was named one of Beat Magazine’s Best of 1988, and both that track and “Zap Zap” were featured in Jonathan Demme’s film, ” Mistery Date“. French director Maurice Pialat also selected “Juicy Lucy” for his 1985 movie Police. In 2002, global guitar icon Carlos Santana covered their song “Mabouya (Foo Foo)” on his Grammy-winning album Shaman.
Masters of Musical Fusion
Tabou Combo’s enduring success stems from their ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots. Their signature sound incorporates a vibrant mix of:
- American funk and soul (inspired by James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire)
- Latin rhythms (salsa, merengue, Afro-Caribbean beats)
- French and African influences (enhancing their global appeal)
This cross-cultural blend has helped Tabou Combo redefine compas, keeping it fresh and relevant across generations and continents.
A Global Stage
With performances in over 30 countries, Tabou Combo is one of Haiti’s most celebrated musical exports. They’ve performed at major venues and festivals, including:
- Carnegie Hall (New York, USA)
- L’Olympia (Paris, France)
- Montreal International Jazz Festival (Canada)
- Festival de Música Latina (Dominican Republic)
Their music has reached international airwaves, television programs, and major motion pictures, further cementing their global impact.
Iconic Albums and Timeless Hits
Tabou Combo has released over 30 albums, each showcasing their versatility and creativity. Highlights include:
- 8th Sacrament (1974) – Featuring innovative rhythms and arrangements
- New York City (1976) – Their international breakout hit
- Indestructible (1980) – A bold fusion of compas, disco, and funk
- Aux Antilles (1989) – A Caribbean favorite that topped international charts
- Baissez Bas (1980) – A timeless dance-floor anthem
- Fiesta Caribéenne (2007) – A celebration of Caribbean musical fusion
Triumph Over Tragedy
Like many legendary groups, Tabou Combo has faced its share of challenges. One of the most profound losses came in 2021 when co-founder and iconic drummer Herman Nau passed away following a stroke. His death marked the end of an era, but the band continues to honor his legacy through its music and performances.
Legacy of a Cultural Icon
Tabou Combo’s music is more than entertainment—it is a testament to Haitian pride, identity, and resilience. Whether on stages in Haiti, New York, Paris, or Africa, the band continues to unite audiences through the universal language of rhythm and melody.
As stated by The Haitian Tribune:
“Tabou Combo represents the best Haitian artistry—unconfined by borders and fueled by passion.”
Why Tabou Combo Is Being Inducted into the HMI Magazine Hall of Fame
1. Pioneers of Haitian Konpa Music
Formed in 1967, Tabou Combo helped define and modernize konpa, incorporating rara, funk, and more elements—preserving and evolving Haiti’s musical tradition.
2. Ambassadors of Haitian Culture
Their relocation to New York in 1971 opened doors to international acclaim. The success of “New York City” made them global ambassadors of Haitian rhythm.
3. Innovators of Sound
Tabou Combo’s genre-blending innovations—from gospel to soul—have helped reshape compas for a global audience.
4. Decades of Success and Iconic Releases
With an enduring catalog of award-winning albums, their impact has reached beyond Haitian borders—earning recognition from legends like Carlos Santana.
5. Cultural Storytellers
Their socially conscious lyrics, such as those in Zap Zap, speak to the struggles and resilience of the Haitian people.
6. A Lasting Legacy
Tabou Combo’s influence is unmatched. The HMI Magazine Hall of Fame proudly honors a group whose music continues to shape generations of Haitian artists and fans.
The induction of Tabou Combo into the HMI Magazine Hall of Fame – Class of 2025 is not just a celebration of musical excellence—it is a tribute to a group that has carried the soul of Haiti to the world. Their enduring legacy of rhythm, innovation, and cultural pride will continue to inspire for decades.
Long live Tabou Combo!
