Jean Elie Telfort aka Cubano Jean Elie Telfort aka Cubano is considered by many as the Godfather of Compas Cubano was born in Port-De-Paix, Haiti on October 20, 1950. He started singing and playing the Bass Guitar in the catholic choir of Les Frères De Linstruction Chrétien in his home town. Jean Elie Telfort, a gifted vocalist, was one of the forces behind Shak -Shahs success in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, which was then the flourishing peak of Compas (Kompa) music in Haiti. His mother thought him traditional and old time Haitian songs. His father, a skilled tailor, taught him discipline and the virtue of hard work. Jean Elie Telfort, the eldest of three children, grew up as an outstanding young man and serve as a role model for his brother Georges, a Mathematician, and his sister Camille, a nurse. CUBANOS BIG BREAK - Cubano was a teenager in the summer of 1964 when Gerald Dupervil, one of the biggest Haitian stars in the 60s and 70s, and his band Riverside Band came to Port-De-Paix to perform for Fete Patronage, the towns annual party. To everyones surprise, Riverside bands bass player was unable to make the trip. So, Cubanos music instructor urged him to approach Gerard Dupervil to fill the void. After several hours of rehearsals, Cubano managed to play the bass flawlessly and efficiently for the band. This experience would become perhaps the most important influential moment of Cubanos musical career. After finishing school in Notre Dame De Lourdes of Port-de-Paix, Cubano moved to Port-Au-Prince in 1967 to complete his studies at Lycee Petion. In 1969, he earned a degree in accounting. While in Port-au-prince, Cubano kept going back and forth to his hometown of Port-De-Paix. He loved playing soccer in the summer and he was still the lead singer in his church choir. Soon Cubano formed a small band called Perles Des Antilles which featured his schoolmates and childhood friend Roge M. Eugene aka Shoubou, Jean Alcindor, Max Maurin, and Michel Jardotte. CUBANOS SECOND BIG BREAK - In 1967, Cubano received a letter from his friend Roger M. Eugene a.k.a Shoubou informing him that Shleu-Shleu was looking for a lead singer. The next day Cubano boarded a bus to Port-au-Prince just to take part of the auditioning process that was being held by the group. Within a few months Cubano established himself as monarch in Haitian music, his voice can be heard at the pinnacle of La Citadel (Haiti greatest monument). Cubano sang tout pou yo the anthem of the Haitian National Soccer team with the legendary players like Emmanuel manno Sanon, Thompous, Philip Vorbe, that made to the World Cup to Munich Germany 1970. In 1973, Cubano, the godfather of compas, left Haiti to begin a new journey in New York. THE BIRTH OF SKAH-SHAH - While studying Computer science at Queens College, Cubano teamed up with Arsene Appolon, Loubert Chancy, Johnny Frantz Toussaint, Mario Malaya and Georges Fancis to launch one of the most successful compas band in that era, Skah-Shah. Skah-Shah performed for the first time in July 29, 1974 at Malibu night Club, New York. Michel St Victor aka ZouZoul and the other members joined the band later. As one of the founders of Shak-Shah, Cubano has been responsible for numerous multi-chart-topping songs and albums. With the release of Shak Shahs first album, which featured one of compas most memorable songs Haiti. The group played numerous showcases around New York City Metropolitans area, Europe, Haiti and the French Caribbean. Instantaneously, Cubano became the idol of Compas music around the world. With his majestic voice and charismatic style he helped to earn the title as the number one band in Compas - hence Skah-Shah #. Since the pre-dawn era of Compas history, Skah-Shah #1 was the first Haitian band to perform 6 days a week. As the groups appeal broadened in the 70s, Arsene Appollon left in 1976 to form Skah-Shah DHaiti. Cubano became more of a leader for the group, he helped steer Skah-Shah #1 in the right the direction. The group recorded several hit albums from 1973 until the original group dissolution in 1992. Many people thought that was the end of Skah-Shah # 1 and Cubano but Jean Elie telfort was determined not to watch his dream fade away. By the 1990s Nouvel Generation Kompa, a popular new trend in Haitian music was in full swing and Compas Direct which was Shah-Shahs style was not very appealing to a new generation of Haitians. Cubano was not discouraged by the lack of interest in compas. He re-introduced Shah Shah to the general public in 1993 by bringing younger and more talented musicians. These musician were Makarios Cesaire (one of the best Haitian guitar players), Yves Abel, Welmir Jean Pierre, and veteran musician Richard Duroseau (a sharp and fierce pianist and accordionist who played with Nemours Jean Baptiste), Camille Armand (1974), Claude Degrottes, Claudy Aladin, Romane Doval, Paul Lamarre, Jean Charles Marc, Pierre Lerebour, and Thomas Boyer from Berkley University. Completely in charge and growing in confidence, Cubano has demonstrated the diversity and seriousness of his music by recording four compact Discs. With this group of musicians, he has recorded numerous memorable songs, Juliana, Hommage A Nemours, Gina, Fanatik, Knockout, Bel-ange, Plezi Compas, and Amour Danfance etc. It should also be noted that Loubert Chancy, Zouzoul, later Richard Durosseau and other original member of Shak Shah #1 reunited to form Bazouka Skah-Shah in the mid 1990s. After more than 30 years experience in the musical industry, Cubano remains indefatigable. Shah-Shah no longer plays every weekend. They now performs occasionally in New York, Paris, Haiti, and other French Antilles.Skah Shahs reign is still striving with particular audiences and fans. According to Isnard Douby from System Band a famous Haitian Artist and music historian, Cubano is one of the finest Haitian musicians that ever lived. As a human being, Cubano makes you feel comfortable socializing with you. He is very humble and respectful of others. Cubano never speaks about his accomplishments and his talents. He accepts people for who they are. Cubano has a God given talent to make harmonious music, he also dances very well. Harry Pierre, a long time Skah-Shah fan refers to Cubano as having the disciple of Nemours Jean-Baptiste, someone who seek to preserve the legacy of pure compas music. In person, Jean Elie Telfort is a shy individual with private warmth. He leads a quiet life when he is not playing music. Cubano is a devoted husband, and a father of two lovely girls, Kisie and Patricia. He is a big sport fan, particularly international soccer. Jean E. Telfort, the Godfather of Konpa, is a true Haitian legend. His passion, devotion, and commitment for Haitian music has brought joy to nearly three Haitian generations. Theres not enough room on this page to pay tribute to Jean Elie Telfort and Shak Shah and to talk about the impact they have had on Haitian culture and music. Haitian roots, which are often forgotten by a newer generation, should be always remembered because of the history and rich culture of our small nation. Whether its Kompa, Djazz creole, Troubadour, Folklore, Ibo, and Voodoo music, we should never take for granted the uniqueness of Haitian cultural experience. - V.M
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 07:22:58 +0000
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