From Los Incognitos to Tabou Combo
The band formed in 1968 in Pétion-Ville as Los Incognitos, changing its name to Tabou Combo in 1969. National recognition followed the same year, when the group won Best Musical Group of the Year in a televised contest.
What the sound is made of
Their music blends vodou drums, the French colonial kontradans, African soukous, funk and, above all, compas.
The lineup
Herman Nau played drums and sang as artistic director from 1968 to 2021. Yves Joseph, known as Fanfan, has played percussion and sung since 1968, as has lead vocalist Roger, known as Shoubou. Guitar, trumpet, saxophone and other players have joined the group since its founding. Notable former members include co-founder Albert Chancy Jr. and others who contributed between 1968 and 2002.
On record
The band has released a long run of albums, among them Haïti / Ya Patia in 1969, Indestructible in 1976, Unity in 1994 and Konpa to the World in 2011.
