Carimi’s Historic Reunion: A Night to Remember at UBS Arena, Elmont NY

On December 27, 2024, Carimi returned to their roots in New York City, delivering a
performance that was nothing short of legendary. After years apart, the iconic Haitian band
reunited to prove their enduring relevance and undeniable impact, captivating an audience of
over 19,000 fans at the UBS Arena. This event, celebrating a milestone in Haitian music history,
was more than a concert—it was a cultural phenomenon.

The evening began with DJ Stakz electrifying the atmosphere. Renowned for his ability to
energize a crowd, he masterfully curated a diverse playlist that spanned cultures and
generations, warming up the audience with vibrant hits. His seamless transitions and magnetic
presence prepared the stage perfectly for what lay ahead. Following this, Success Jr. stepped
into the spotlight, delivering his signature gospel skit. The brief yet powerful performance
evoked Haiti’s deep-rooted traditions and offered a heartfelt homage to its musical heritage,
infusing the evening with both reflection and joy.

Before the main act, Carimi’s members—Richard Cavé, Karlo Vieux, and Mickael
Guirand—shared a candid pre-concert interview. Michael directly addressed skeptics,
remarking, “People said Carimi wouldn’t be able to bring out as many people where it all started
in NYC, and that Carimi is not trendy anymore.
” However, as the show commenced in a completely sold-out UBS Arena filled with fans from the 1960s to Gen Z, Carimi decisively silenced the doubters.

T-Vice represented by Roberto Martino and TJozenny’s performance began with a moving
tribute to Mikaben, the beloved Haitian artist who tragically passed away two years ago during a
Carimi reunion in France. Roberto Martino and Tjo opened with “Ou Pati,
” a poignant homage that struck a chord with every attendee. Carimi continued acknowledgments of Mikaben throughout the evening deepened the emotional resonance of the tribute, culminating in a
soul-stirring rendition of “Baby I Miss You,” accompanied by a montage of Mikaben’s photos and
videos. The presence of Mikaben’s wife in the audience rendered the moment even more
heartfelt and unforgettable.

Carimi’s set exemplified a perfect blend of nostalgia and showmanship. From the intricate
costumes and theatrical opening to the impeccable choreography of the dancers, every detail
was meticulously designed to captivate. Shabba made a special appearance for “Buzz,
“adding to the excitement of the night. Highlights of the night included Richard Cavé’s duet with Tina on
“À T es Côté” and the fan-favorite “Ayiti Bang Bang,
” which evoked the essence of Haiti itself.

The audience’s energy was infectious; some swayed with konpa moves, others passionately
sang along to every lyric, and many were visibly moved to tears. With a stage radiating passion
and musicians performing flawlessly, Carimi underscored their enduring legacy in the Haitian
music scene.

The concert concluded around 12:30 a.m., but the evening’s magic lingered on. Fans stayed for
a meet-and-greet session, singing their favorite Carimi hits in the arena’s corridors and sharing
moments of joy and gratitude. In stark contrast to last year’s tragic event in France, this night
unfolded without incident, inspiring heartfelt thanks to God from both organizers and attendees.
As the night ended, speculation about Carimi’s future began to swirl. Does this reunion mark the
beginning of a permanent comeback? Will their next stop be Miami, Boston, or perhaps Haiti?
With Jay Upscale hinting at possibilities in his interview with Faces of Haiti and Konpa Kingdom
driving the momentum, fans eagerly await answers. Adding to the historic significance of the
evening, the Haitian Consulate in New York presented recognition plaques of honor and merit to
each member of Carimi—Richard Cavé, Mickael Guirand, and Karlo Vieux—as well as to Carel
Pedre for his outstanding representation of Haitian media. A plaque was also awarded to Jay
Upscale, the visionary behind Konpa Kingdom.

For now, fans can stay connected with Faces of Haiti for updates on Carimi’s next move and other monumental events in Haitian music. One thing is certain: December 27, 2024, will go down in history as a night when Carimi reaffirmed their place as legends in the global music community.

By FacesOfHaiti staff: Glaina Pierre Noel (@nanoueglayn)

Photos: Ben-Ledan Jean (@shotbyledan)