Interview with Yves Joseph

Interview with Yves ""Fanfan"" Joseph, manager and vocalist for Tabou Combo, the most commercially successful Haitian band. Joseph has been with Tabou Combo since August 1968. In this interview, he explains the commercial origins of the band and how they faced adversity in collecting royalties in international markets. After selling half a million records of their 1976 single ""New York City"" and not receiving royalties, Joseph began studying the music business as a means of protecting the group from record label exploitation. Joseph describes Tabou Combo’s creative encounters with Carlos Santana, who covered their song ""Mabouya."" He also provides an overview of the band’s international travels as the first Haitian band in Japan, throughout Africa, and the Lesser Antilles. Tabou Combo was one of the several mini-djaz groups influenced by French popular music, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, among other international styles built on top of their traditional konpa music. Joseph describes the longevity, repertoire, and fan reception of the group and how they utilize SACEM to retain royalties. The band has increased its international presence, reaching into new territory in Gabon and Angola.