Last weekend's passing thunderstorm and bad weather forecast didn't stop thousands of fans from coming out and enjoying an evening of fun and music during CARIMI's first concert held at Espace Kami of the Cultural Center Tibaou in New Caledonia. Headlining the evening, CARIMI drew the largest crowd to date to the Center. Fans of all ages trekked through the center to reserve their spot close to the stage, said a Haitian Times Showbiz insider. Shortly after the band began to play, the clouds moved away and clear skies brought even more people. One reporter mentioned he has never seen so many people at the center singing and dancing to a foreign band. CARIMI is still chart topping band in New Caledonia.

According to his official Facebook page, one of the best Compas musicians of his generation, Gary Didier Perez, is set to release his comeback album which is rumored to be titled, “Vwayaje”. The album is set to feature production from today’s top musicians, including Richard Legende, Jocel Almeus, Youyou, Glenny Benoit, and others. His title single “Vwayaje” is already making strides on the Haitian airwaves, and it sounds like the album is going to be well received. Didier Perez told Haitian Times Showbiz that he has never been interested in joining any band since OZONE or doing anything in a rush, but always wanted to make something big that everyone likes. The album will feature 12 songs all penned by the musician.

Manno Charlemagne is still popular as an artist and can still draw a crowd; that’s why he was chosen to open the Third Annual Haiti en Folie Festival July 23 in Montreal. “We expect to see thousands of Manno fans who said that they will come to see him singing his old hits for the first time”, said a close source to the festival. Manno Charlemagne has managed to keep his artist image with regular sperformances in South Florida. “To see him in concert here is more special than any show I've ever seen.” said Theoline Nerestant, a big fan of Manno.

Haitian film director Raoul Peck wants to produce a movie for television on Toussaint Louverture. The new flick will portray Toussaint's life from a different angle of what is known by the rest of the world. After almost two weeks since he's wrapped up his latest film “La Citadelle”, Peck has a busy season lined up. “Toussaint Louverture”, will be produced for French Television France 2 with the help of producers Jean-Louis Monthieux and France Zobda. It will be shot over 20 days in Haiti.

The Fifteenth Annual Haiti Book Fair, Livres en Folies will be held June 11 at Parc de la Canne-a-Sucre, the organizing committee for the event announced. During this year's edition, about 15,000 books from both locally and abroad will be exhibited. As in previous years, domestic as well as Haitian authors in the Diaspora will use the fair as an opportunity to show their latest publications. According to the organizing committee, so far almost all booths have been reserved and new writers have shown particular interest, expecting to gain recognition and promote themselves during the fair. A 40% discount will be offered on all publications.