KALBASSS KREYOL, led by Haitian-born frontman Sophis, is a high-energy Afro-Caribbean band that is best known in the Bay Area for its electrifying and uplifting live performances.
The band emerged from the open-mic scene in Alameda, California.
In April of 2005 Sophis and his Haitian friend guitarist, Mr.G, founded Kalbass Kreyol.
The band's music is intently designed for dancing.
At the center of their sound are elements of Haitian Kompa and Rara which are melanged with particles of Merengue, Reggae, Salsa, Zouk, Rock and Funk to create an unusual rhythmic formula that keeps their audience glued to the dance floor.
The unique sound of Kalbass Kreyol is crafted around Haitian-born lead-vocalist/songwriter Sophis, back-up vocalist Sarazeta Ragazzi of Puerto-Rican and Italian descent, back-up vocalist Mbutshu Yindja of Congolese heritage, Haitian master percussionist Jjakomo on congas and bongos, Chicago-born drummer and percussionist Mosheh Milon on drums, multi-instrumentalist Joshua David of Trinidadian roots on bass, Isaac Ho of Chinese origin ..board, multi-instrumentalist Manolo Davila of Puerto-Rican descent on guitar, and multi-instrumentalist Luis Andrade of Ecuadorian and Palestinian heritage on sax & flute.
Kalbass Kreyol is influenced by World Music giants in the likes of Kassav from Guadeloupe, Tabou Combo from Haiti and the legendary Santana.
Following in the footsteps of these giants, Kalbass Kreyol seems intent on taking their music and message to the four corners of the earth.