This song entitled "GONAIVES" is NOT track about the city of Gonaives (4th largest in Haiti), but instead an acknowledgement of the struggle of courageous people of the former "Pearl of the Antilles", a message of hope from Zouk superstar Eric Virgal to the First Black Nation, that is HAITI.

This song featured on Eric Virgal's "tendre & Rebelle" CR, which was released at the end 1995. Eric Virgal chose to name the the song GONAIVES because the city of Gonaives is where the Haitian Independence was proclaimedon January 1st, 1804.

Gonaives is also known historically for being the driving force behind the political uprisings that ousted the Duvalier's 29-year of dictatorship in February 1986. Gonaives was again the center of the major and most popular revolt of 2003 that overthrew Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004.

It was that same GONAIVES where in September 2004, more than 2,500 people died when Tropical Storm Jeanne unleashed torrential rain on northeastern Haiti, triggering devastating floods and mudslides in Gonaïves. The disaster was repeated in September 2008, when a string of storms—Gustav, Hanna, and Ike—drenched Haiti. Though the resulting floods were as extensive as in 2004, the death toll was not as severe.

Amazingly, Gonaives always stands up on its feet and the residents there always put up with all misfortunes to live with courage and hope despite all odds.

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