Haiti is a country that always been recognized for its uniqueness, but mainly for its diversity. Haiti is a melting pot of various cultures completely blended to create one incredible society. Haiti usually stands out in the Caribbean because of its beautiful music. The sounds, the beats, the remarkable rhythm, all combined generate the sensational phenomenon that is Haitian Music.
Haitian music has originated from the sounds of Africa; with the slaves that were brought into what was a French colony at the time. These slaves brought all of their creativity and of course their traditional folk music with them and transplanted with into the colony. Throughout the course time, the sounds changed and a new style of music was born. A typical Haitian sound, a convergence of both old and new, that has for centuries been praised by other countries.
Compas Direct (Konpa), the progeny of a successful marriage of Haitian folklore, Tipico, Cuban and African rhythms, was born in July 25, 1955 under the direction of Maestro Nemours Jean Baptistes. It is the most popular type of music in Haiti! Haiti has seen a great of music talents, artists who have forever changed the way Haitian music was heard. Edner Guillaird, Toto Bissainte, Gerald Dupervil, Issa El Saieh, Ti Roro (Haiti's greatest drummer) Orchestre Citadel, and Septentrional and Tropicana, and of course Michel Martelly (Sweet Micky) the president of Konpa, have all shaped Haitian music forever. They contributed their own unique style and flavor to their songs. These artists are considered treasured heroes in Haiti for their outstanding achievements, not only for the entertainment and pleasure they provided over the years, but more importantly for bringing out the very best of Haiti. These musicians have provided Haitians with not just beautiful melodies, but inspiration and hope which has been so useful to them all.
Compas Direct (Konpa), the progeny of a successful marriage of Haitian folklore, Tipico, Cuban and African rhythms, was born in July 25, 1955 under the direction of Maestro Nemours Jean Baptistes. It is the most popular type of music in Haiti! Haiti has seen a great of music talents, artists who have forever changed the way Haitian music was heard. Edner Guillaird, Toto Bissainte, Gerald Dupervil, Issa El Saieh, Ti Roro (Haiti's greatest drummer) Orchestre Citadel, and Septentrional and Tropicana, and of course Michel Martelly (Sweet Micky) the president of Konpa, have all shaped Haitian music forever. They contributed their own unique style and flavor to their songs. These artists are considered treasured heroes in Haiti for their outstanding achievements, not only for the entertainment and pleasure they provided over the years, but more importantly for bringing out the very best of Haiti. These musicians have provided Haitians with not just beautiful melodies, but inspiration and hope which has been so useful to them all.
Today, a younger generation of musicians has taken over the burden of revolutionizing the Haitian sounds. I’m proud to say that they have accomplished their mission. For the past two years, Haiti had fallen into a deep political crisis where national and individual security and well-being were crumbled. Our incredible musical groups took it upon themselves to educate and inform the public with their lyrics. They begged for peace, they cried for unity and fraternity. These talented artists: T-Vice, Carimi, Kreyol la, Krezi, Djakout Mizik and so many others have inspired Haitians to struggle for peace and to stop the violence.
I’m proud to say that the music will continue to live on, stronger and stronger. Our roots are very deep; we live and dance by the same rhythm. The music and Haiti are and will always remain part of each other.
I’m proud to say that the music will continue to live on, stronger and stronger. Our roots are very deep; we live and dance by the same rhythm. The music and Haiti are and will always remain part of each other.
Roberto Martino (T-Vice)
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