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HAITIAN MUSICIANS RAFO INTERNATIONAL COMBO PERFORM

“SHANGO FOR HAITI” AT 29^TH CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS SUN, JANUARY 24

Song written especially for Haiti to have its premiere at the CMA

CHICAGO – January 20, 2010 - Haitian vocalist Raphael St. Vil (better known as Rafo) of Rafo International Combo de Chicago,will perform a newly penned song, “Shango for Haiti” in honor of the devastated island country at the 29^th annual Chicago Music Awards Sunday, January 24. Shango is the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning and a symbol of resistance. Nominated for their CD, “Chicago” which was produced in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, founder of Chicago, the group performs Kompa Direct, a contemporary rhythm of Haiti as well as Calypso, Salsa, Soca, Disco, Bossa Nova, Tango, Cumbia, Mambo and Meringue. They also sing in many languages including English, French, Spanish, and Creole.

“The people of Haiti have been suffering for too long,” said Ephraim Martin, producer of the Chicago Music Awards. “We are connected to the Haitian people as human beings especially in Chicago – a city founded by a Haitian immigrant. We all must rally to make whatever contributions we can to help our sisters and brothers in Haiti and to help rebuild this great nation.”

The Chicago Music Awards celebrate the connectedness of all people through music. The awards represent the breadth and depth of Chicago music and musicians. Other top flight artists who will perform include R&B sensation Jeremih, legendary R&B artistMarshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites, Hip Hop performer Twista, classical violinist Rachel Barton Pine, gospel singers The Brown Sisters, Asian/Latin performer Guia Rivera, jazz saxophonist Skinny Williams and Rock & Roll/Bluegrass performers The Henhouse Prowlers among others.

The Chicago Music Awards will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Alhambra Palace, a dining and entertainment complex located at1240 W. Randolph Street. Packages include the VIP dinner package/$125; VIP Reception/$75 and Awards ceremony only/$55. VIP packages begin at 5:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony is at 7 p.m. The show will be co-hosted by Marshall Thompson, NBC-Channel 5’s Saran Dunmore, bluesman Frank Pellegrino and pop performer Demi Lobo.

For tickets and information, visit www.chicagomusicawards.org, or phone 312/427-0266.

Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster at 312/559-1212 or by visiting

www.ticketmaster.com. The CMA is dedicated to “Health Awareness” and to Haiti.