Artist: Carimi and Mikaben
Song “Baby I Miss(ed) You/Baby, I Miss You”
Director: Abdias Laguerre

In which I write my thoughts as I watch this Kreyolicious music video entitled “Baby I Miss You” by Carimi and Mikaben…

Ah, a summer bungalow…looks almost like Martha’s Vineyard…or somewhere deep in the East Coast…

The obligatory leading lady with long, silky hair that flows nearly past her knees…and the spectacle-wearing leading man, on his way out. They share a passionate embrace before his departure. Wait, they kiss and hug? Okay, either this relationship is new, or it’s been through the rocks, and they’re rebuilding.

Dude #1 goes down the steps, guitar in hand. He must be a musician! A shot of him going down the steps again. And he’s already checking his phone? That’s obsessive love for you!

Another time, another day. This time it’s him saying goodbye to her, as she climbs a red sedan. But who’s this other dude? Dude #2?

Oh, a tour bus. A guitar player.

It’s abuzz inside the bus. Guitar practice. Business phone calls.

Ah, new apartment. Nice minimalist decor. Green pants, huh?

Wait, Dude #2 is a lefty? Oh, perhaps not?…we do tend to hold iPads on the left hand, and use the right to navigate.

Oh, he’s rushing to the door. OMG. But isn’t that…

Uh-oh. While the rat is away, the little mouse will play.

Podyab, Dude #1. While he’s singing his little heart out, his girl is knocking on someone else’s door…

Poor other fellow. While Dude #1 is on the tour bus getting all sentimental and singing about missing his baby, his girl is being swept off the ground by another man.

Look at the smile on the face of the other fool, as he drags her luggage in that penthouse.

Ki sa! Girl’s clothes are swung down her body and fall in a pool on the tiled floor. Oh, dear, something tells me that something immoral is about to go down in this joint. Ooh, and the skillful way the green pants wearing boyfriend drops those clothes, you get the feeling that this has been going down for quite a while.

“Baby I Miss(ed) You”, er, um, okay, but does baby miss you? Looks to me like the Jezebel is getting it on.

All I have to say is, the video’s director has an interesting take on this song’s theme. You expect it to depict a relationship where the love is mutual, and it’s being presented as one-sided…one baby misses the other baby…but other baby…er, not so much.

Deep, deep down inside…Dude #2 has a gut feeling that she doesn’t wholly belong to him. Watch Guy#2 at the 1:44 mark.

He sleeps with his eyes seemingly close, but there’s a slight gap between the eyelids. And watch how his head is centered on the pillow, but the edge of the pillow sticks out. A person sleeping soundly would have more than likely turned his head on the sticky edge of the pillow, and woken up with a neck ache. A lack of trust, clearly. He wants to keep a close eye on this girl. And look at his lips, so pink and so sensual. He must be taking his 30 grams of Vitamin E daily, and he probably eats lots and lots of blueberries, and consumes lots of greens.

Why is Dude #1 hiding under the hood of his gray tracksuit half of the time in this video? He’s not bad looking and he could never scare little children.

Dude#2 is looking so lusty as he holds ‘ole girl. His hands run smoothly across her arms. His eyes are glistening with lust.

Oh, she had her lingerie, her Jezebel-wear ready!

Oh, no, Dude#1 is back early from his tour! It’s about to go down. The green pants-wearing, Vitamin E-consuming side piece is about to get it!

Cinderella left a shoe behind for the prince. Girl leaves her scarf. If anything, you can’t say she’s not original.

Oh, Dude# 2 is having his fun! Oh dear, he looks like he’s about to give in to some serious fleshly desires.

Uh-oh. Dude #1 is climbing up the steps of the Martha’s Vineyard-looking bungalow.

Finally, we get a better view of Dude #1 and I must say he’s well coordinated. What great choice of colors. Nice scarf, Dude #1.

There is a pool beneath that balcony. Is a body about to be thrown in it?

Okay, red car…gray truck…something is amiss here. One-story bungalow and high-rise, sea-side building…Could it be…

Oh, inside a music studio comes the pretty lady.

Okay, either this girl is in one of these guy’s past, and in the other’s present…but she can’t be in their present at the same time…something about these visuals is not adding up.

My guess, at this point, is that one of the dudes is being delusional (my gut feeling is telling me that Dude #1 currently has her, and Dude #2 once had her, and he’s now reminiscing about his past with her). Perhaps she used to be his girl and he screwed it up somehow…Look at that faraway, distracted look that’s on Dude #2’s face during each closeup. Look at him, kalkileying.

Let’s see…

Dude #2 is making me blush.

Oh, dear.

Wait, so there’s two of them. Ah, dear. That explains a lot…a whole lot.

Here are some points I observed about this video:

How fab is it that the video model(s) is(are) a full-figured woman? She/They has a realistic body proportions and has a real woman’s mid-section. (Yes, I’m a skinny girl, but I like it when all women are presented as beautiful and desirable in music vids).

There are three musician-members on that tour bus, no? But as opposed to populating the video with all three of them, one of them is given full-focus.

Applause for the ladies for their performances—and the two leading dudes as well for their thespian efforts.

Props should also go to the video’s wardrobe stylist for fashioning the looks for the two dudes. Dude #1 had these cosmopolitan looks, while Dude #2 wore pieces that were refined hood/not-quite-the-suburbs. Dude #1 had the wardrobe of a mature man who’s left childish things behind, whereas the outfits worn by Dude #2 (especially that checkered flannel leprechaun outfit) left one thinking that, well, he may have infantile behavior tendencies.

Aha, that airport scene was squeezed in to clue us in regarding the separate identities of the women…but it was also a throw-off. With a song like “Baby, I Missed You”, it would have been easy to go the “literal route”, and make it all predictable. But all those suspense and surprise elements herein really keep you glued, and make one replay the vid (“Let’s see the clues I missed the first time around.” I knew something was not right. That girl couldn’t possibly have been in their lives simultaneously. [In my grandmother’s voice] Ah, mezanmi.

Main photo: via Kalepwa

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Carimi may be no more. That’s the cry sounding all over the internet and social media that has fans panicking, industry insiders feeling disheartened and bloggers like me in The Thinking Man posture. Last week, speculations began swirling on Twitter and Facebook that Carimi lead singer Micheal Guirand may have turned his back on the band. Last December, the singer had sent in a resignation letter to the public, only to return two weeks later to loud cheers from Carimi Nation. But this time around, speculations are running rampant that it may not just be singer Micheal throwing in the towel, but at least one other member as well.

It cannot end this way.

It just can’t.

First of all, the band will be celebrating its fifteen years of existence…why throw away fifteen years? Need I remind you again that fifteen years is like pre-K to high school and some college years?

And if Carimi stops now, what will it mean for Haitian music?

And if Carimi stops now, won’t this affect the morale of up-and-coming bands?

And if Carimi stops now, won’t members be haunted by what could have been for the rest of their lives?

And if Carimi stops now, what sort of role models will they be to other band members facing issues and problems?

Granted, it’s natural for fans to stomp their feet at the very idea that this band could possibly be disintegrating. The memories. The music.

A band existing for a decade and a half…well, that’s quite an accomplishment. When one considers all the sacrifices that have undoubtedly gone into the making this band, creating it, sustaining it over the years…and the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with traveling, logistics…well, it’s this band’s right to take a break, a pause if they need to…After all, there’s a time for everything right? But surely, there’s a way to take a rest without resorting to total annihilation of the band. Spreading out bookings…reducing the number of shows per year, and increasing asking price per gig so that the band can still maintain its revenue.

So, having a band for fifteen years is not easy. Sometimes, you might even get tired of doing the same thing over and over. But, if it’s all for the love of music, and if the love of music never gets evaporated in true musicians?

Maybe over the years of their existence, some of their priorities may have changed.

Even with these facts in mind, it can’t end this way.

No, it just can’t.

Carimi must go on. This band must move onward.

Whatever needs to be mended…let it be mended.

Whatever needs to be talked out…let it be talked out.

Let any adjustments that needs to be made be made.

Granted, adjustments not involving the exit of any of the members or personnel.

If Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and the rest of the Rolling Stone can make it, so can Carimi. And I know that these are two different industries that are being contrasted here, but the basic aspect of both is relationships and maintaining the love…and that’s all that’s needed. [Bible tone] Is there a wound among brothers that can’t be mended?

MikeyBear, you’re not going anywhere! Unless…it’s to go pick up your microphone, to start singing the first notes of “Baby I Miss You”.

Mr. Cave, you’re not going anywhere! Unless, it’s to cradle a mic to belt out the verses of “Fem Kado’w”

And Karlotitos, you’re DEFINITELY not going anywhere, unless it’s straight to that stage to pick up your keyboards and play.

Let Carimi continue. Then when it’s celebrating its 20th or 25th anniversary, we can have a talk about band members taking a break…

Until then, Carimi Nation onward!

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Today many Haitian music fans woke up to news that Carimi band member Mickael Guirand, has chosen to go on “pause”. In a statement circulated all over the internet, the singer thanked fans for their patronage, and informed them that he’s taking a “break”. Speculation has been running rampant as to what “break” could mean. Hopeful fans are hoping that the “break” isn’t permanent, but will be short of duration, so that the singer can take care of whatever issue has lead to his decision. According to the band’s Facebook page, Carimi is set to perform for the Haitian Association at Rutgers University with DJ OK this upcoming Sunday. That concert still stands, and has not been cancelled, according to information available on the band’s social media pages.

The news of Guirand was especially mind-boggling to some, because the group seemed to be in a jubilant state. Posts celebrating the band’s 14th year of existence were frequent. The band members recently performed at Miami’s Moca Café, and footage shared with fans showed band members bouncing on the stage full of energy.

By all accounts, the band was alive and kicking. Earlier this year, the Carimi boys released their video for their song “Baby I Miss You”. A few months ago, the band released a video, featuring X-Man, a reggae artist from the French Antilles. Less than three months ago, fans were treated to a live album entitled Kite m Cho.

There is a beginning and end to everything, but fourteen years can’t be thrown away just like that. Can it? Let Mr. Guirand take all the time that he needs to mentally, physically and spiritually replenish, and take care of his internal business—whatever that may be—and once that has been properly managed—let him return to his band.

Meanwhile, Carimi is a business. Fans are sharing their thoughts on Twitter as to whom should fill in during the singer’s absence. Names from Emmery of Karizma to Mikaben and others are being thrown around.

But back to that singer…Fourteen years…that’s like from first grade to like high school, plus four semesters in college. This is something that shouldn’t be taken too lightly. There is a question of legacy here.

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Earlier today, the group Carimi announced that lead singer Mickael Guirand, who announced that he was taking a break from the band earlier this month, is rejoining the band. A message on the band’s Instagram page stated:

“The fans asked for it and we delivered. Many know that recently Mickael Guirand took a short pause from traveling and performing with the group. The outpour of love and concern from the fans was such a blessing and today we are proud to announce the return of Mickael back to where he belongs.”

The message went on to say that Guirand will be performing with the other members for the rest of the shows scheduled for December.

The band also took the time to express its gratitude to singer Mikaben, who was holding down the fort while Mickael Guirand went on the short sabbatical.

Hope the lead singer got all the time that he needed, and that whatever issues that led to his “pause” in the first place are under control, if not fully resolved. Moving forward, it’s essential that he continues to take good care of himself physically, mentally, and of course, spiritually.

I’m thinking that this band could have made a much bigger splash with the comeback…First, know that he’s coming back, and keep it on the down low…You know, get all commercial and stuff…The Return of Mickael Guirand, or something along the lines of…”Performing for the first time since his untimely departure…” But hey, his fans were pounding for his return…and couldn’t wait.

The fans of this band must be rejoicing left and right. Welcome back, dude.

According to the band’s social media, their next performance is set to take place in Paris on December 26th and 27th. They will be back in the USA afterwards, with a New Year’s Eve performance in New York. The first and second of 2016 will find them performing two dates in the Palm Beach-Miami area.

[Main Photo Credit: BestWay.fr

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So, Carimi is gone forever and ever? Carimi done and finish? Say, it ain’t so! But that’s the conversation going on right now. Back in July, Carimi member Micheal Guirand left the band, but it was assumed by fans and industry pundits that the two remaining lead members (Carlo Vieux and Richard Cave) would continue either as Carimi or under a new name. But earlier today, both members erased the name Carimi in their social media handles, and then Richard Cave posted a poster with the words FFWD, which many are assuming is the name of an upcoming band that he’s involved with or the title of an upcoming song.

In late summer, shortly after the breakup, Vieux had given an interview to the website Kompa Magazine in which he had clearly expressed his desire to keep the Carimi fire going—but emphasized that only if the band’s manager Fito Hyacinth and co-member Richard Cave would be involved.

But now, in yet another interview to that same outlet earlier today, Vieux contends that he will be pursuing other endeavors—business and personal. Many fans have drawn the conclusion from his statement that he and Cave no longer have plans to continue as co-band members either for a Carimi regrouping or a brand new band.

Fans were increasingly hopeful when last week a music video surfaced on the internet featuring Vieux and Cave. But that music video was in actuality a tribute song for a Caribbean singer Patrick St. Eloi.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of defunct member Guirand is unknown.

What a sad way for things to end for this band! You can be sure that hardcore fans of the band will not take this well. It’s like a patient’s family being told that he’s disease free, only to be told that a new test has revealed a previously undetected ailment.

Photo Credit: Lex Dumas

But with endings, and even sad endings come new beginnings. What is FFWD and, if a band, what will it bring to Haitian music?

To be continued!

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Richard Cave, a of now-defunct band Carimi has stepped out with Kai, his new band. He’s doing things big right off the bat, releasing “Malad”, a rad ballad alongside with a music video for the song.

In the lyrics for the track, we have a lovesick narrator who likens his obsessive and overly passionate feelings for a woman to an ailment. He’s forever condemned to the intensive care unit, but he likes it that way! He needs his “siwo”, he insists.

So far, so good. This new band has virtually retained the sound and flavor of Cave’s former band Carimi. Surely, with time, we’ll be able to distinguish a Kai song from a Carimi song.

Check out the song and music video below!

Be sure to share your thoughts on “Malad”, the song and video!

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The band Carimi broke up last July after fifteen years of existence. But what has the former Carimi band members been up to since then? This is life after Carimi…

Above: The triumvirate when the band was active.

Co-lead singer Richard Cave has since launched Kai, with himself as lead singer. The band has released a ballad “Malad” that set off a great deal of buzz. The band has had several premieres in cities like New York and Miami. Haitian music pundits are expecting Kai to release an album by mid-spring.

Then-bandmates Carlo Vieux and Richard Cave pose together for a photo during a performance in the Ivory Coast.

Many fans had assumed he had thrown in the towel, but in an interview with Kompa Magazine, a Haitian music website, Carimi co-lead singer Mickael Guirand revealed that this speculation had been false. Haitian music observers have been speculating as to whether he’ll be starting a band of his own or joining an existing one. As of this writing, no official announcement has been made in regards to Guirand’s musical destination. [Photo Credit: Olie Photography]

Member Carlo Vieux was at first expected to join Richard Cave in a Carimi rebirth, but this isn’t what happened. Vieux initially said in interviews that he was going to devote his time to his family, but later announced that he would join the Miami-based band 5Lan. According to his social media bio, Vieux has also made strides as an entrepreneur outside of music. He is the president of a health consultancy company.

The one-time Carimi band members have chosen to follow different musical paths. May they all reach their individual goals.

So, this is your rundown of how former Carimi band members are faring and what they’ve been up to! Feel free to share your thoughts.

Carimi confirmed its breakup. Let’s say it one more time. The band Carimi has come to an end. Last night a press release that was distributed on social media confirmed what many fans and industry pundits and assorted Haitian music fans feared: After putting in work for fifteen years, the band was kaput.

On Tuesday morning of this week, Haiti-based host Carel Pedre announced that he would be interviewing the group’s manager, a businessman named Fito Farinen, on his morning radio show “Chokarella”. Over the course of the interview, the manager confirmed the breakup, all the while stating that he had not been able to get in touch with Micheal Guirand, the co-lead singer.

Meanwhile, the website Kompa Magazine had managed to get an interview with Carlo Vieux, one of the band’s lead singers and musicians. In the interview, the Carimi member reaffirmed his loyalty for his band, and conveyed that he doesn’t know what has led his bandmate to leave the band a second time.

Was the band anxious to give a formal statement? Did it feel pressured? After all, fans have been waiting to know certainties among all those rumors and speculations. It just seems from the statements made by the manager and of the lead singer that although a statement has been given…there just might be hope for the band.

All in all, it came across as…if tempers are given enough time to calm down…if emotions are given sufficient time to wane, something could be reached. This “something” could be…co-lead singer Micheal Guirand returning to Carimi…or members Carlo Vieux and Richard Cave coming to the conclusion that they can’t let things end this way, and that even with Micheal’s absence, they’d like to go on.

Maybe Micheal’s road has ended, but Carimi hasn’t as a band? But in past and present interviews, band members have emphasized the importance of Micheal’s role, and how indispensable he is. His signature voice is stamped all over the band’s brand and identity. So knowing this, more concrete steps should have been taken to assure his stability in the band upon his return. But to be fair, those measures were probably taken.

What gives? What really went wrong? What’s eating Micheal Guirand? What problems could these men—who are essentially brothers—have that can’t be solved, even with changing priorities, passage of time, etc?

Lawd.

Earlier this year, the band had shared photos in the studios, heightening fans expectations for an upcoming album. This music can’t go to waste. But if most of the album was done with the department member’s vocals! What a dilemma to be in!

Overall, though…

There’s this finality that’s lacking with this breakup. Did these members have sufficient time to come to this decision of breaking up? Could there still be hope? What if Micheal is planning to take a longer break and come back? What if a Micheal sound-alike is found by the other two members?

Let’s back-pedal a bit regarding the other lead singer. What if they make arrangements with Micheal to sing on occcassions with them as opposed to every performance? The two other members are very competent singers, and they can make do with the ballads and up-tempo songs.

But maybe all—or some—of these different scenarios were presented and discussed before the group decided that to disintegrate was the way to go.

Questioned by Kompa Magazine about going at it for a second time if Micheal returns, singer Carlo Vieux sounded leery. What if his bandmate returns only to leave again? But that can be taken care of with better risk management. Sign a contract—one of seven years to assure that CaRimi will make it past its 20th Anniversary, and the extra two years take care of business loose ends.

It’s easy to sit here and speculate, and offer suggestions after suggestions. We’re not privy to all the facts. And perhaps even Carimi members and personnel have not been able to get to the bottom of what’s wrong/what was wrong despite their best efforts.

So thank you to this band for making Haitian music known in places it may not have otherwise been known.

Remember when you started getting out of your American shell to become more Haitian? Did you name-drop Carimi (or T-Vice) in a conversation to impress your fellow Haitian-Americans about how “Haitian” you were? (*raises hand*). And was this even before you listened to any of their music or knew any of their songs?(*raises hand*)

There’s still a lot of their music that I don’t know, and haven’t listened to. Maybe this is the time to get to them.

At least all the members are alive and well. At least, none of them died…thank God.

It’s possible that Carimi can still go on. You never know. Again, there’s something about this announcement that’s not…I don’t know…final…

Save your Citizenship Certificate to Carimi Nation. You’ll need it to claim your rights when Carimi comes back hard!

It sounds like well-wishing, but it’s just a feeling…

Time will tell. This is your girl Kreyolicious signing off.

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