|
A Birthday Celebration
with “The Original Haitian Kings of Comedy
By Maurice Moses
The Birthday of Lamour E. Laguerre
Best known as “Tom Male” was highly celebrated with his comrades in
the form of a comedy show best-entitled “The Original Haitian Kings
of Comedy.” Some of the all-stars included Ton Ton Bicha and Papa
Pye, Sifrael
The party started on Saturday night
upon the arrival of the artists from different parts of the world.
The fete starts live on the radio on the program called “Radio Pa
Nou.”
 The
night was filled with excitement. Sifrael (Jesifra’s son) was in
attendance although his father couldn’t make it. Papa Pye, “The
Prince Komik” and “Ton Ton FeFe” all came to do their thing. Absalon
came with his cast including his co-stars Grann Nanna, Dieuvey and
others. This was a well-deserved Birthday celebration for Tom Male
who is also a pioneer in Haitian comedy with a number of TV sitcoms,
movies, CD’s and commercials under his belt. This should be only
the beginning of what would be called a celebration of our highest
heroes in the business of Haitian comedy.
Staring at an early age, comedy came
natural to Tom Male. Male has an impressive resume of his previous
works such as; Kouche pa ba, Met ko veye Ko, 20 kob satiyet, five
full years of tel le papa, and tel la pitit and a number of movies
available on DVD. On the night of the celebration, Tom made
sure not to miss out his producer of whom he said, “If he’s here
today, it is because of him.” He was introduced as non other than
the great Boston producer, Marc Sam Dalzon of M&S records and beauty
supplies-- A Boston based recording company with a record of 20
years in the business. It was indeed a beautiful turnout as the Holy
Cross Church Auditorium was transformed into The Holy Laugh
Auditorium.
People came from all-over to show some
love and support for their favorite comedians, and also to laugh
their heads off! Some came directly from Haiti and others came from
Miami Florida, Boston, Connecticut and States such as of New Jersey.
 The
New Jersey based, Jude DeRonceray better Known as “Non pam se
roupy” (Roupy) is a Port-au-Prince born Comedian. H e was a
student at St Louis de Gonzague Elementary School and graduated
from College Bird class of 1985. Roupy was the Master of Ceremonies
for the night did an excellent job hosting the event throughout the
whole night. But this M.C. is no stranger to the business of hosting
himself; Roupy was the Manager-Producer of Radio Soleil d’ Haiti a
weekly radio program on WNJR 1430 AM. In 1990, he joined Radio
Tropicale d’ Haiti 92 FM SCA where he spent five years as
Coordinator and hosted the most popular Haitian radio show of the
90’s: Tropicale-Matin. He also produced Radio and TV commercials
for a large number of businesses in the USA, Canada and Haiti. In
addition, he hosted major shows on Radio Verite, Tele-Citronelle and
Haitian Satellite Television. Roupy also worked as a host/translator
for a special on CBS’s 60 minutes on Rwanda. In the year 1995, Roupy
founded La Bande de Roupy, a cultural dancing group in New
Jersey who has performed along with famous artists in and out of the
state. A Comedian by nature, Roupy has performed many times at
stand-up comedy shows in nightclubs, banquets, festivals, and
private parties. He published a CD, an Audio Tape, a Book and
Videotapes. His works are still available on the market.
We could never talk about Haitian
comedy if we don’t give credit where it’s due. This legend in the
business left many hearts broken when he left the live sitcoms,
which used to air everyday on TNH Television station in Haiti. One
can never forget “Lavi nan bouk la,” which was the Haitian
equivalent of the popular “Sanford & Son” series in the 70’s
and 80’s. This man was the star attraction of movies such as “Fly
People” and more than 25 other movies which are still available
today. The Petion-Ville born Jean Claude Joseph better known as “Papa
Pye” recalled growing up in Bas-Peu-Chose (and also resided
in Carrefour- Ruelle Titus.) He will never forget about his Foster
Father who was a Professor at Lycee Toussaint and Pere Adrien and
who was also a former Classmate of Haiti’s Ex President Paul E.
Magloire.
As Papa Pye stood up
leaning on the bench talking to H-O by giving us his bio, one would
say this man is a true pioneer and legend and demands no less a
title than one of the Original Kings of Haitian Comedy. Beyond his
interests in comedy, he is also a karate master and is known amongst
the best of Haitian Karate masters such as Yvon Dupoux, Petit
Louis, Florival and so on. Papa Pye officially became a U.S.
resident in the early 2000’s and his passion is to keep on going
with acting career. He often reminisces about his three full-grown
children. One resides in Chicago and goes by the name of Gordon
Claude Joseph. Another named Edith Wideline Desma Joseph lives in
Washington. The last one lives in Boston who is called Nathaniel
Joseph. He says although they are leading separate lives and are
far away from him he loves them very much.
The "La Vie Nan Bouk La" series of
Papa Pye’s left its trade mark and will never be forgotten. It was
one of the funniest shows by Haitian comedians in the history of
comedy. Along with his legendary cast such as; Frederik, Gracye and
Bòs Macèl, he stole the laughs of everyone who used to watch the
show in the early 80’s.
Now a days we are watching a montage
of Haitian comedians making their daily rounds as a messenger
delivering manila envelopes and packages to various offices. Our
next superstar is always courteous and polite in his demeanor, but
is definitely not to be taken lightly in any way. This 21st
Century Haitian comedian is an attractive-looking young man just
past 32 yrs old and is well dressed and well mannered. However, when
it comes to his alter ego, he is nothing short of a human fireball.
As a well-known crowd favorite, this character is very energetic.
Dressed as a stylish countryman / farmer, wearing wide-collared
polyester shirt and long pants using a rope as a belt, he captures
his audience before he even speaks. His rubber shoes are mismatched
but polished, his peasant hat is exaggerated with straws and not to
mention his most distinctive feature…his heavily powdered beard and
eyebrows.
 As
we finalize the description, we see that this Haitian household
character could be non-other than Tonton Bicha. As he is
walking rapidly towards the podium, he illuminates the crowd with
his famous phrases “Mezanmi Eske Nou La!!!...Femtande Min Nou Pla,
Pla, Pla, Pla, Pla, Pla, Pla!!!” Tonton Bicha is a natural when it
comes to knowing how to make his audience laugh and when the crowd
starts laughing at his super silly antics and pants-wetting jokes.
There is no stopping him. A little later in the show, "The
President of Compas", Sweet Mickey surprised the audience with
his appearance. The two had everyone roaring with so much laughter,
that at times it seemed more like a comedy show than a concert!
Tonton Bicha, whose real name is Daniel Fils-Aimé, saw the
light of day on July 7, 1973 in Cap-Haitien. As a youngster, the
theatre possessed his soul. The "Troupe Jeunes Patriotes
Catholiques “(JPC) [Young Catholic Patriots Company] helped has
a lot to do with Bicha’s Career as a comedian, it help nourished
his talent.
 Singer,
comedian, publicist and actor, Bicha is definitely making his mark
in Haitian show business. For the friends of, this star actor (old
man) of the latest Haitian cinema hit, represented Haiti 14th
annual festival Mondial in ‘97 de 21st Salon du Livre in
Paris in March, 2001, “best artist of 2002 Caribbean,” “best Haitian
comedian 2003” by Haitian entertainment awards “best Haitian actor
in2003” by ticket magazine for the hit Haitian movie, “I Love You
Anne"
HO: Why did you choose to represent the character of a 71-year-old
man?
Bicha: It has to be said that Tonton Bicha exhibits himself in a
grand manner and brings joy to everyone, both in Haiti and overseas,
the feedback is very positive.
For Ton Ton Bicha there are no similarities to talk about when it
comes to being a comedian. Comedians do what they do best. He is the
best of the 21st century. He is a young man who is 32
years old, simple, and well mannered, Not to mention mad cool.
Tonton Bicha, the old man, is Anne's father, besides his first joke
on stage at Tom Male’s birthday celebration was on Anne and his
Friend Don Cato brother’s posse and every one knows that
This is one of the most appreciated comedians in Haiti. Keep on
representing Haiti wherever you go as you’ve been doing and Kudos
for Haiti Twoubadou’s hit song, “Quatre Kampe.”
Tom’s birthday celebration would never have been completed without
other comedians such as Sifrael the son of another great comedian
Fernel Valcourt whom everyone called Jesifra.
The Plaine Du-Nord Haiti born young Comedian Sifrael killed the show
with his talent, a very intelligent young actor who studied science
informatics. He left in his second year to study cinematography in
the heart of Port-Au-Prince, following in his fathers footsteps; he
started playing at the age of six-- no need to say being a comedian
is in his blood. Sifrael said the fist time he went on stage was at
the famous Theatre National (L’air du bi-centennial) since than he
co-stared with his father Jesifra in many live on stage shows such
as Jesifra Tet kaderik ,kont neg D’afrik bossiko ak Makiyaj
and co-wrote many shows with his father as well. Based on his
interview with H-O up to 16 shows, indeed the young actor surprised
many of us, and people call on his father to watch- out because
there is a new sheriff in town, Congratulations to Sifrael.
Actor Comedian Ernst Domond (a/k/a Absalon) a Port-au-Prince, Haiti,
born comedian, acquired a Bachelor Degree in Arts from Academy
Des-Beau-Arts in Haiti, and from Borough Manhattan Community
College in Business Management during his years in US. Besides being
Vice-President and TV-Production Consultant for the Haitian Network
Television™ ("HTN"), Mr. Domond was Director at T.C.K. for 10 years.
He is a Script Writer, Theatre Teacher, and the creator/director of
"Caribbean Creole", and stars as Absalon in the soap-comedy. In
that soap-comedy, he revealed proven-in-action through comedy, drama
and directorial strategies based on his over 30 years of experience
in theatre. Domond and his group is no stranger to the comedy
business industry. Let me take you guys a little further as to why
Domond and his group Caribbean Creole was among the Bicha PaPa Pye
Ton Fefe who plays Tom Male’s father in the stunning piece Bare Vole
Tom Male got beaten-up.
 “Caribbean
Creole” is a soap-comedy based on real life occurrences. It's a
typical family and friends going through the motions of life. With a
cast well chosen, each episode has a key lesson for everyone and
keeps you laughing from beginning to end. If you appreciate
soap-comedy with a twist of drama, you will love the Caribbean
Creole show and its stars.
Smith Destin (a/k/a “Tidio” and “Gran'nana”) was born in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He attended Kings Borough Community College
in New York. He is a dancer, a supermodel who is in theater/comedy.
Smith is a strong member of Caribbean Creole. Without him Caribbean
Creole could and would not live. He is an inspiration to many of his
fans and the Caribbean Creole cast members all trust him and believe
that he is one of the best actors of all time.
Chervin Domond who plays Patricia female impersonation) was born in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as well and graduated High School of Culinary
Arts, From John Harvard Brew House. He is now an Executive Sousches
at a major Corporation. He is a big comedian from Caribbean Creole.
Frederick Domond (a/k/a “Dievey” and “Joksime”) was born and in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He graduated from the Borough of Manhattan
Community College in Business Management. He is one of the managers
of Harp Marketing Corporation. He is a high-class comedian. He is a
script writer. He is also a member of Caribbean Creole; he is one of
the big family.
Louise Etienne (a/k/a Macda) was born in Les Cayes, Haiti. She was
raised in Brooklyn N.Y. She was graduated from Erasmus High School
and she went to Medgar Evers College. She is a LPN who graduated
from Boces she is also a Beautician and she is one of the stars of
Caribbean Creole.
Yasmine Domond (a/k/a Tiboule) was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,
She graduated from Erasmus High School and she went to Long Island
University. She is a LPN who graduated from Boces Indeed the stars
Caribbean blessed our Tom Male real good with their performances
Long live Mr. President:
The Florida based Prince (Prez Aristide) Komik who flew to New York
especially for Tom Male’s birthday closed the show with an
eye-catching entrance as if he was President Aristide himself; it
was with a presidential musical salute body guards left to right all
the way. Jude Joseph the owner of radio Pa Nou and one
of his sons played the bodyguards to escorted Prince (Prez Aristide)
Komik as he made his entrance on stage. The Prince’s parents wanted
him to be a soccer player but he rejected the idea of playing soccer
and chose instead to be a comedian according to Prince. It is an
amazing story. He is a gifted Haitian comedian that makes him very
special. His mother gave birth to him by accident at Haiti’s
general hospital several years ago but the comedian can’t remember
exactly when and this is not a joke. Prince believes he is the only
person to be born in Port-au-Prince but who not from
Port-au-Prince. Prince says he learned how to walk and talk in the
town of Lagonaves Haiti but thanking God for the good gift, the gift
of making people laugh, he started making people laugh before he
even learned how to talk. His parents told him and prince does
Believes that, He was born to stand-up comedy. That was what he
brought us all the to Holy Cross Auditorium during the Impersonation
Of the former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide by closing
the 6th Haitian Kings of Comedy shows and Tom Male’s
birthday celebration. The Artists received a royal welcome by the
producers, rice and beans crabs and shrimps in sauce were served as
well as Haitian Rum Barbancourt.
From All of Us
Tom, Happy birthday!
Extra Extra Extra
Be the first amongst those to find out about Ton Ton Bicha’s next
two movies
President Bicha, with Sweet Micky as Prime Minister and I Love You
Anne part Deux
|
