LAKOL is planning to reunite ten years after splitting, to launch a new album and start touring. Lead singer Stanley “Tantann” Toussaint said: “I never felt like we weren’t together. We’re looking at this comeback as the continuation to what we started years ago, and it’s more of a rebirth.” Though they stayed in touch through the years, the group refrained from recording together. It was Stanley who made the initial push for LAKOL to get back together, and for some loyal fans, it would be awesome to see all the guys on stage.

Manno Charlemagne is still popular as an artist and can still draw a crowd; that’s why he was chosen to open the Third Annual Haiti en Folie Festival July 23 in Montreal. “We expect to see thousands of Manno fans who said that they will come to see him singing his old hits for the first time”, said a close source to the festival. Manno Charlemagne has managed to keep his artist image with regular sperformances in South Florida. “To see him in concert here is more special than any show I’ve ever seen.” said Theoline Nerestant, a big fan of Manno.

Harold Saint-Louis, better known as Ti Harold, has revealed that he plans to release a solo album under 509 name. The musician explained that the new album will feature 50 musicians, with 12 tracks. However, he would not be drawn on the name of the project or whether it ties into any of his previous work with 509. For Ti Harold, the album is truly his inspirational project. He has created an album that truly holds elements of him, who he is as a musician and the music that represents him.

According to his official Facebook page, one of the best Compas musicians of his generation, Gary Didier Perez, is set to release his comeback album which is rumored to be titled, “Vwayaje”. The album is set to feature production from today’s top musicians, including Richard Legende, Jocel Almeus, Youyou, Glenny Benoit, and others. His title single “Vwayaje” is already making strides on the Haitian airwaves, and it sounds like the album is going to be well received. Didier Perez told Haitian Times Showbiz that he has never been interested in joining any band since OZONE or doing anything in a rush, but always wanted to make something big that everyone likes. The album will feature 12 songs all penned by the musician.

Haitian film director Raoul Peck wants to produce a movie for television on Toussaint Louverture. The new flick will portray Toussaint’s life from a different angle of what is known by the rest of the world. After almost two weeks since he’s wrapped up his latest film “La Citadelle”, Peck has a busy season lined up. “Toussaint Louverture”, will be produced for French Television France 2 with the help of producers Jean-Louis Monthieux and France Zobda. It will be shot over 20 days in Haiti.

Bel jaz received a warm welcome from Compas fans in Paris as they played their first BAL in front of hundreds of people. The band went on stage on time at the club 3-7 Evasion and entertained the audience. As they were being applauded Pipo and Ralph Menelas added all they have as singer and guitarist respectively that gave the night its warmest feel. “Many local fans came out to watch the band’s first performance, and it was a wonderful surprise for the attendees, and personally I was impressed by their skill and talent”, said Oceane Joseph.

Jean Claude Jean, Tabou Combo’s renowned guitarist, has retired as an active member of the band, according to an interview given to a newspaper in Haiti. For over 35 years, Jean Claude Jean AKA Coq has been composing, arranging and playing guitar with Tabou Combo. He is well known for his mega hits “Light is Coming Your Way” and “L’An X”, and his unique accompaniment style. Jean, who has proved his commitment to excellence, had moved back to Haiti since 2007. But he said he’s always available for the band whenever his service is needed. Fans of Tabou Combo will greatly miss Jean-Claude’s touch, and for being an incredibly valuable musician and for all his contributions to the Haitian music.

   [Showbiz News Wire/Haitian Times] Haitian journalist Lionel Legrand has died, Radio Soleil d’Haiti said Saturday. Legrand made his name with his daily news broadcast from Brooklyn on Radio Soleil, which ran for 18 years. “He was really one of the greatest broadcasters of Haitian radio in New York, and we shall feel his loss very, very keenly indeed,” said Mario Jeanty. It was announced that Legrand would retire because of liver ailment, heralding the end of the much-loved Creole news program and talk show and bringing with it a flood of tributes from colleagues and admirers in the community. Legrand started at Radio Progres in Haiti in the late 1970’s as a commentator. His career included several broadcasts made from political demonstrations and carnival broadcasts, but he was better known for his daily Creole News format, and as co-host of “Jogging Mind” from 1992 to 1999. It was Legrand’s ability to give his own twist to momentous events across the Haitian community in New York that captivated listeners.

[Showbiz News Wire/Haitian Times]   The “Groupe Spectacle Sakpase Montreal” will honor artist Emeline Michel at the Fourth Annual Montreal Haitian Music Festival. The event is among scores of celebrations to be held in July to celebrate Emeline’s 20-year career. The artist was considered a natural choice to be the first recipient of the award because of her commitment to the Haitian music scene. Organizers chose the annual festival as the appropriate event for the honor, although the actual anniversary of the artist’s career has been six months earlier. Organizers say she will either receive a key to the town or be asked to be a town ambassador. Emeline will attend the festival to accept the honor, and perform as well.