T-Vice is a Haitian Compas music band that is based in Miami, Florida.
T… Read Full Bio ↴T-Vice is a Haitian Compas music band that is based in Miami, Florida.
The musical group was formed in 1991 by brothers Roberto and Reynaldo Martino, sons of renowned Haitian guitarist Robert Martino of the classic Top Vice band, T-Vice's predecessor. Longtime friends James Cardozo and Gerald Kebreau were soon part of the group thus completing the quartet as they were originally known to be. Roberto and Reynaldo had thought of the idea of creating their own group through the musical influence and inspiration they received from Top Vice in which their father was the lead guitarist.

T-Vice revolutionized the genre of konpa with the energetic party vibe they brought to the scene. Musical influences from reggae, merengue, flamenco and modern synthesizing from rock 'n' roll have made the group one of the most innovative musicians of the genre. The group's performances have led them to become the current face behind the music in large part due to their international touring. The band has traveled to European, and Caribbean countries, as well as U.S states for concerts. The band's debut album "Konpa Kontak" was a hit among konpa listeners. In October 2006, T-Vice released a new album titled Kité'm Viv.

T-Vice has collaborated with other Haitian konpa bands such as Carimi and their rival Djakout Mizik. The group appeared in the hit single Party By The Sea along with rapper Wyclef Jean and Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton.

Many sought to attribute the band's success to their relationship with patriarch Robert Martino, as well as the steadfast managerial genus of the Martino brothers' mother Jessie Al-Khal and their uncle Pierrot Al-Khal. T-Vice were victimized in the late 90s by a vicious rumor which was later proven to have been fabricated. It was widely believed that a jealous rival had begun the falsehood. T-Vice has also been involved in a noticeably ongoing "feud" with successful Konpa band Djakout Mizik. However, regardless of their supposed ongoing feud, members of both group share an amically professional friendship.

Over the years, T-Vice has become one of the most successful konpa bands of the modern era.

Haiti
1991

Eske
T-Vice Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Èske w′ renmen mwen?
Èske w' renmen mwen, vré?
Ou té mandé m′, si m' té vlé w' nan vi mwen.
M′ té réponn ou ke mwen pa konnen.
M′aprésyé w' é mwen vlé w′.
Sé de bagay mwen pa ka nyé.
Menm gen blési k' poko sikatrizé.[Par le passé].
Men m′ p'ap pèdi lespwa, m′vlé di w' li yon lòt fwa.

Si c'est la fin pour moi, mwen renmen w′ mwen damou w′, é mwen vlé konnen.
Èske w' renmen mwen? [Konvenk mwen].
Èske w′ damou mwen, vré?.
Èske w' prèt à fè sakrifis lanmou mandé?
Èske w′ renmen mwen?
Èske w' damou mwen vré Èske w′ prèt a fè sakrifis lanmou mandé?
Ou té mandé ki sa k' lanmou pou mwen.
M'té réponn paradi ak lanfè.
San soley ni di vin, ki fè fleri jaden nanm mwen, lè flè sa yo mouri w′ konn′ soufri tou.
Men m' p′ap pèdi lespwa, m'apé di w′ li yon lòt fwa, si c'est la fin pour moi, c′est toi, si c'est toi.
Wow!
Men konpa!

Yo té di sa p'ap maché, poutan m′ té pèsévéré.
Mwen konn′ sa lanmou mandé, met' tout ògèy sou koté...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of T-Vice's song "Eske" delve into themes of love, doubt, sacrifice, and perseverance. The singer questions the depth of their partner's love, asking repeatedly, "Eske w' renmen mwen?" which means "Do you love me?" This repetitive questioning reflects a deep insecurity and uncertainty in the relationship, as the singer wonders if their partner truly loves them. The use of the word "vrai" (true) emphasizes the genuine sincerity sought by the singer in their partner's love.

The singer recalls a past conversation where their partner asked if they wanted them in their life, to which the singer replied that they did not know. Despite this uncertainty, the singer expresses appreciation for their partner and states their desire for love. The mention of lingering wounds that have not yet healed suggests that the singer carries emotional baggage from past hurt and is wary of being hurt again. Despite these wounds, the singer proclaims their determination not to lose hope in love.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of sacrifice in love, questioning if the partner is willing to make the sacrifices that love demands. The singer asks, "Eske w' prèt à fè sakrifis lanmou mandé?" which translates to "Are you ready to make the sacrifices love requires?" This line hints at the challenging nature of love and the sacrifices that are often necessary to maintain a healthy and strong relationship.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of resilience and determination in the singer's tone. Despite past doubts and uncertainties, the singer asserts that they will not lose hope in love and expresses a desire to know if their partner truly loves them. The use of imagery, such as comparing love to a blooming garden that suffers when its flowers die, adds depth to the emotional landscape of the song. Overall, "Eske" explores the complexities of love, doubt, and perseverance in relationships, inviting listeners to reflect on the challenges and rewards of loving deeply.

Writer(s): Roberto Martino

Contributed by Nicholas K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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