Music

Haitian music developed out of many diverse sounds in order to create a very unique and influential sound of its own. These diverse sounds arose out of Africa, Latin America and Europe. The import of African slaves into Haiti during the slave trade, for example, had a great influence on the drumbeats and other African sounds we associate with Haitian music today. Bongos, maracas and other such instruments traveled throughout the Caribbean and eventually took their place amongst the earliest instruments used by Haitian artists. Other genres of music like Jazz, Reggae, Mambo and Rap/Hip-Hop have made their way into the Haitian music scene over the past century, and gained great popularity.

Konpa is probably the most well known form of Haitian music. Though Konpa is related to early European ballroom dancing, it has changed drastically to become the most listened to genre of Haitian dance music today.

Rara is a genre of Haitian music stemming from centuries of traditional Voodoo ceremonies. Though Catholicism is the official religion in Haiti, voodoo is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. It is still practiced regularly throughout Haiti, and especially present in Haiti’s rural areas. Rara reflects the raw beats and tempos used during many Voodoo ceremonies.

Rasin is another style of Haitian music often referred to as “roots” music. In the 1970’s Rasin sprung out of the widespread social and cultural movement known to most as the “hippie” movement. As a response to social oppression and discontent with the Duvalier regime, Rasin music not only reflected the thoughts and concepts of the time, it adapted cultural attitudes and influenced lifestyle choices. Rasin is believed to have over 120 different distinct rhythms, and include elements of Funk, Reggae, and Rock.

Other popular genres include Zouk, Merengue, and Salsa.

Though the first music recorded in Haiti did not happen until 1937 (a non-commercial recording by Jazz Grignard), Haiti produced many notable musicians throughout the 20th century. Many Haitian artists have received global attention for their contributions to certain universal genres, and are becoming especially popular in the modern musical genres of Rap and Hip-Hop. The most popular Haitian artist today is Wyclef Jean, formerly of the Fugees. Though he is mostly known for his contributions to Rap and Hip-Hop, he has produced music of many different genres and is an exceptional guitarist.

Some of the more notable Haitian Konpa artists are Sweet Micky, and Dadou Pasquet of Magnum Band, whose popularity arose in the 1960’s and whose contributions are still relevant today. One of the biggest legends in the history of Haitian music is the musician Nemours Jean-Baptistes. His greatest contributions were to orchestral Haitian music and meringue.

Some of the modern musicians found in Haiti today include Richard Augustin, King Posse, Original Rap Staff, Top Adlerman, RockFam Lame A, Barikad Crew, Seca Konsa, Bennchourny, Mystik703, Magic Click and Mecca AKA Grimo.

References: www.wikipedia.org; www.heritagekonpa.com; www.discoverhaiti.com.