New York City — In the early 1990s, Haiti witnessed a cultural and musical breakthrough that challenged long-standing traditions in the male-dominated konpa industry. At the center of this revolution was Riské, the country’s first all-woman konpa band. Formed in January 1991, the group brought together fourteen gifted women, including vocalists, instrumentalists, arrangers, and composers, who were determined to claim a space in a genre historically dominated by men.
Origins and Vision
The group was the brainchild of two close friends and singers, Sandra Jean and Sabrina Kolbjornsen, who sought to prove that women could do more than provide background vocals or front male-led orchestras. Teaming up with Gina Rouzeau and Maguy Limage, they expanded their vision into a whole ensemble, assembling ten additional musicians who would not only perform but also compose and arrange their own music.
For Riské, the project was more than just a band; it was a statement. Their mission was to showcase the creative and technical power of Haitian women, setting out to rewrite the narrative of what was possible in konpa.
The Breakthrough with Alfabe
In 1991, Riské released their debut album, Alfabe. The record quickly gained traction in Haiti and across the diaspora, celebrated not only for its energetic rhythms and melodies but also for the social significance it carried. Alfabe was more than an album; it was a declaration of visibility and empowerment, reminding audiences that music could serve as a powerful tool for social change.
The success of Alfabe propelled Riské into the national spotlight. The band took to prominent stages, drew media attention, and built a loyal following. For a moment, they redefined both the sound and the image of konpa.
Struggles and Dismantling
Yet with success came formidable obstacles. In a musical landscape where resources, recognition, and decision-making power were essentially in male hands, Riské had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Internal pressures and creative disagreements added to the challenges. By the late 1990s, these tensions, combined with the lack of structural support that male bands typically enjoyed, led to the group’s dissolution.
Even so, their brief time on the scene left an indelible mark.
Legacy and Influence
Though their career was short-lived, Riské’s impact continues to resonate decades later. They opened the door for future generations of female musicians in Haiti, proving that women could lead orchestras, compose music, and shape the artistic direction of entire productions.
Their experiment remains a landmark moment in Haitian popular music, a courageous attempt to challenge the status quo and expand the possibilities of konpa.
Where Are They Now?
After Riské’s dismantling, members pursued different paths. Some continued in music, performing with smaller ensembles or embarking on solo careers, while others stepped away from the stage. Regardless of their individual journeys, their collective contribution remains etched in Haiti’s cultural memory.
More than thirty years after Alfabe, the name Riské still evokes respect and admiration. Their pioneering effort proved that the artistry of Haitian women deserves not only recognition but celebration.
The HMI Magazine Editorial Staff | The Haitian Music Industry
