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Althiery Dorival Music Video

Altiery Dorival, Haiti's Classic Twoubadou Musician

Haitian-African folk singer, Altiery Dorival, is known as a twoubadou (troubadour) musician. He sings in a raspy tenor voice, accompanying himself on Haitian banjo, similar to the American banjo.

Dorival's image is as a man of the people, singing about the lives of Haiti's poor masses, living their lives of grinding poverty with grace and an unsinkable spirit. But he can also play the role of bon vivant, decked out in a white suit and Panama hat.

The twoubadou tradition, in which Altiery Dorival sings and plays, has existed in Haiti for over half a century. Brought to Haiti's shores from Cuba at the start of the 20th century, Haitians soon claimed the music as its own. Twoubadou music expresses the bitter sweetness of peasant life, rife with earthy and risqué themes. Twoubadou singers, such as Dorival, have been and still are the voice of the people.

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Altiery Dorival And His Haitian Twoubadou Music

Altiery Dorival is a popular Haitian musician playing twoubadou music. He is well known for his unique kompa style and amazing banjo plucking sound. Listening to his songs can give anyone a feel and atmosphere of the Caribbean and French antillian tropics. The winter is the best season to sound trip to Dorival's songs as it can surely help you battle the cold.

Among his popular hits are Si'm Fe Ou Bagay, Tete Your Pa Manye Couer Moin, Caresse Moin, Ce Li Roi, Jacqueline, Toute Fem Ce Ter Heritie, Sauciss, Mesdames Yo Ce Lamp, and Kele Keke. Many Haitians know Dorival as he's been a part of the Haiti folk music history, along with other twoubadou artists such as Ti Paris, Toto Necessite, and Rodrigue Millien.

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