Roberto and Reynaldo Martino, the sons of renowned Haitian lead guitarist Robert Martino of the classic compas band, Top Vice, were musically inspired by them to create music of their own. In 1992, T-Vice was founded as a successor to Top Vice, in which the T- is shortened twice, once from Ti', then ultimately from the word petit, which is French (as well as
Creole) for "small" (hence "Small" Vice).[6][7] They soon recruited longtime friends James Cardozo and Gérald Kébreau completing the original
quartet and are still known as such today.
T-Vice band is based in Miami, Fl. It was formed in 1991. Musical influences include reggae, merengue, flamenco and rock n’ roll. Unlike most Haitian bands, T-Vice's reach extends outside of Haiti to as far as the US, Caribbean and even Europe. T-Vice collaborates with other popular Haitian bands, most notably,their former rival Michel Martelly (Sweet Micky)
Carimi and even their rival band Djakout Mizik. They have also worked with the famous Haitian rapper
Wyclef Jean and Jamaican musician
Buju Banton.[8]
Members
Current
Roberto Martino – lead singer, guitarist, composer and co-center (1992–)
Reynaldo Martino – band’s maestro, keyboardist, composer and co-center (1992–)
Gérald Kébreau – bass guitar (1999–2013)
James Cardozo – backing vocal, occasional rap and
keytar (1997–2018)