The iconic drummer of Djakout #1, Rolls Laine, better known as Roro, is currently unable to perform with the band due to the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration since June 9, 2025.
Since this measure took effect, U.S. authorities have stopped issuing and renewing visas for Haitian citizens, including work visas, preventing many Haitian artists and musicians from performing in the United States.
Although Djakout #1 is historically considered a Haiti-based band, the reality has evolved over the years. With the majority of the band’s musicians now residing in the U.S., Djakout #1 is now perceived as a band primarily based on American soil. Roro, for his part, had always chosen to continue living in Haiti. Thanks to his work visa, he regularly joined the band in the United States for performances. However, his visa is now expired, and it is impossible for him to renew it due to the travel ban still in effect.
This situation forces Djakout #1 to temporarily do without the services of its drummer, unless the band performs in Haiti. While awaiting a possible change in the situation, Marvens, former drummer of the bands T-Vice and Enposib, is covering Djakout #1’s performances during gigs in the United States. Roro is not the only artist affected by these restrictions.
Major musical institutions such as the Orchestre Septentrional and the Orchestre Tropicana dâHaĂŻti are also unable to perform in the United States, their work visas having expired.
Singer Roody Roodboy is facing the same issue, along with several other Haitian bands and artists who risk being stuck once their documents expire.
To date, there is no official indication of how long this travel ban will remain in effect. This uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on the Haitian music industry, particularly on artists whose careers rely largely on international scenes.