The story of Shoogar Combo began in 1974 in Port-au-Prince with the creation of Shoo-Blak, founded by saxophonist Nazaire Déjoi. Its members included guitarist Adrien Dupuy, singer Joseph Lainé (known as “Blagueur”), Jean-Baptiste Pierre (aka “Baba”), Musset, Fritz Jean, Joinville, and Léon. Their repertoire already featured “Lèlènne,” which would later become a reference in compas direct.

In 1979, a split led by bassist Jean-Baptiste Pierre gave birth to Shoogar Combo. The name came from the English word “sugar,” intentionally spelled “Shoogar,” combined with “Combo,” referring to a small musical ensemble. Emerging from the mini-jazz movement, the band quickly forged its own identity with a distinctive style called “Malouk,” evoking both raw toughness and irresistible energy.