Riské

Riské is a groundbreaking Haitian konpa group founded in January 1991 by Sandra Jean, Sabrina Kolbjornsen, Gina Rouzeau, and Maguy Limage. At a time when konpa bands were almost entirely male, Riské emerged as the first all‑female konpa orchestra, bringing together singers, instrumentalists, composers, and arrangers in a complete ensemble featuring drums, bass, keyboards, percussion, guitar, and vocals.

Their mission was bold: to prove that women could occupy every musical role, from artistic direction and composition to performance and stage leadership. This vision quickly captured the attention of audiences in Haiti and across the diaspora.

In 1991, they released Alfabê, their only album, now considered a cult classic. The project showcases a rich vocal palette and modern konpa aesthetics, led by Sandra Jean (“Alfabê,” “Célébré,” “Lanmou,” “Di Fé”) and Sabrina Kolbjornsen (“Zanmi,” “Madam Marie,” “Kité Yo”), with arrangements by Gina Rouzeau and harmonies by Maguy Limage and Valérie Cayo.

Following the album’s release, Riské toured Haiti, the Caribbean, France, Panama, and North America, becoming a symbol of female representation in Haitian music. Despite their influence, the group disbanded in the late 1990s due to industry challenges, limited structural support, and internal creative differences.

Today, Riské stands as a historic milestone: a pioneering force for women in konpa, an inspiration for new generations of female musicians, and a defining chapter in the evolution of Haitian popular music.