Ti Manno: The Soul of Konpa

Since the 1970s, no voice has captured the heart of konpa dirèk quite like his. Sensual and stirring, carrying whispers of love, waves of tenderness, echoes of sorrow, and the struggles of his people, Ti Manno sang not just melodies but emotions.

Born in the historic city of Gonaïves, Antoine Rossini Jean-Baptiste forever known to the world as Ti Manno, first found his footing in small neighborhood bands. But it wasn’t long before his extraordinary talent propelled him beyond the streets of his hometown. In the 1970s, he became the shining star of the Volo Volo of Boston, a voice that crossed borders and touched souls.

A return to Haiti led him to join DP Express, a legendary move that would mark a golden era for the group. With Ti Manno at its heart, DP Express soared to new heights, especially with the release of David, an album that hauntingly recounts the devastation of a fierce hurricane. His voice on that record is not just music it is memory, pain, resilience.

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Within DP Express, Ti Manno found a natural rival in Scorpio d’Haïti, the uncontested king of the carnival. Their friendly competition electrified the Haitian carnival scene. When Ti Manno sang merengues like "Sèso" and "Biberon," the streets exploded with energy. For three wild days, his music became the heartbeat of the people.

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Driven by a restless creative spirit, Ti Manno eventually parted ways with DP Express to carve his own path. He founded Gemini All Stars, producing five albums that deepened his bond with the people. Returning to his roots in socially conscious music, Ti Manno became more than a musician he became a voice of resistance, a beacon of hope for an entire generation.

Ti Manno was not just a singer. He was the soul of a people, the sound of a struggle, the eternal voice of Haitian pride.