Hervé Anténor, professionally known as “Shabba,” was born on September 1 in Plaine du Nord, Cap-Haitien, Haiti, into a family of ten children. Demonstrating a natural aptitude for percussion from the age of 12, he began his musical journey playing drums in church. Self-taught, Shabba drew inspiration from genres like zouk and soca, as well as Haitian bands such as Septen, Tropicana, Skah Shah, and System Band. His instrumental expertise includes drums, traditional Haitian drums, and the gong.
In 1996, Shabba launched his professional career as a drummer with the group Kanel. He subsequently played with various musical ensembles, including Zoro, Shirley Desgrottes, and Faxed. In 1999, he joined Djakout Mizik as a drummer, where he achieved significant stability. This tenure continued until 2010, when he and other members formed Djakout #1.
Shabba pursued solo projects, releasing “Pi Piti Pi Red” in 2008 and “Pi Piti Style Pi Red” in 2011. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous artists and participated in various artistic endeavors. In 2016, he released the music video “Antann Nou,” promoting peace and tolerance.
In January 2020, Shabba made a pivotal decision to leave Djakout #1 after several notable incidents. He co-founded the musical group EKIP with former Djakout #1 musicians Steeve Khé and Ti Regi. EKIP quickly gained recognition, sharing stages with international artists like Wyclef Jean and T-Vice, showcasing their versatility and expanding their fan base.
In January 2024, EKIP released their second album, “Makiye Mizè W,” marking a strong return after a brief hiatus. The album features 16 tracks, including notable collaborations with artists such as Bedjine, Leroy Beat, and Kenny Haiti.
On a personal note, Shabba married Diane Claude in December 2016, with whom he has three children. However, in December 2021, he announced their separation and initiated divorce proceedings.
Despite the publicized separation, reports from December 2023 indicate that Shabba and Diane Claude have reconciled.
Shabba remains a significant figure in Haitian music, known for his dynamic stage presence and contributions to the genre. His ongoing commitment to his craft continues to influence and inspire the Haitian music scene.
