Guadeloupean zouk group Chiktay was founded in 1985 by Harry Soundourayen and Jean Zenarre, a former member of the group Kassav', and began to evolve in the soca and calypso spheres before moving towards a melodic style closer to zouk. Their debut album, Tansyon An Mwen , was released in 1985, and set the tone for a record-buying career that grew steadily over the next decade, with a total of 8 albums released between 1985 and 1994, or almost an album a year. These included Trop Palé in 1986, Douceur des Îles in 1989, Dézolé in 1991, Vwayajé in 1996 and Page 96 in 1998. Chiktay's adventure came to an abrupt end in 2007 with the death of its leader Jean Zenarre, who died of a heart attack on October 17, 2007 at the age of 53. Chiktay became one of the key groups on the West Indian music scene from the mid-80s to the mid-90s, and was honored by the compilation The Best Of in 2002. Spurred on by Harry Soundourayen, the group is back in 2022 to celebrate 37 years in the music business.
