Ti Kabzy

The duo composed of Raymond Duperval (guitarist, father) and Jean-Sébastien Duperval (keyboardist, son) had been giving shows in Sherbrooke since 1985. The duo played popular Haitian songs during cultural events organised by the Communauté haïtienne de l'Estrie (CHE).

At the end of 1989, the duo is given the name Ti Kabzy, in order to play for their first New Year's Eve ball at the `Le président' hotel.

The ball was such a success that the band played again for the CHE's annual carnival in March 1990. The band also performed at the 1990 edition of the Carifête parade in Montreal and wins the prize for the best carnival atmosphere.

In 1991, Richard Duperval (the eldest) joins the band as the bass player. The band continues to play mainly in Sherbrooke in community events and also particpates in the 1992 and 1995 editions of the Carifête parade.

Summer 1995 brings numerous changes amid the band. Raymond being a doctor and living in Sherbrooke, the band must find a new guitarist in order to become semi-professional in Montreal. The new member chosen is Georges Nazie.

During 1996, the band performs at many functions. The performances eventually yields it the prize for Konpa Band of the Year at the Sounds of Blackness Awards ceremony, in November 1996.

In 1997, the band enters the studio for the first time, in order to record its first album, which its fans await eagerly.

(source: Ti Kabzy Web page)

Members

Jean-Sébastien Duperval (Lead vocals, keyboards, programming)
Co-composer and lead singer: Born october 12 1971 in Sherbrooke, third of a family of four. He completed his college studies in Applied Sciences and his university studies in Mechanical Engineering in Sherbrooke. After 9 years of classical piano, he obtained his Laureate II diploma in 1988 at l'École Vincent d'Indy in Montreal. Jean-Sébastien, a.k.a. Ti Kabzy is the grand poobah of the band.

Richard Duperval (bassist)
Bassist-chorist: Born in Strasbourg, France on August 29, 1965. Older brother of Jean-Sébastien, he studied classical piano for 5 years. He completed his college studies in Applied Sciences and his university studies in Mechanical Engineering in Sherbrooke. He has been an engineer for Shell Canada for 7 years. He is the administrative brain of the band.

Georges Nazie (guitarist)
Co-composer, author and chorist: Born in Haiti in a family of 2 children, he came to Montreal in 1986. He is completing his studies in electronics at Ahunstic college. As a career musician, he has been a member of several successful bands including, Dixie Band, Ti Manno and Larose. Georges is the poet of the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50EHdc4BsbM