Haitian Kompa Music

Updated December 31, 2012 7:00 PM

The Kompa is not merely a Haitian music genre. It serves as hope for many Haitians. Its humble beginning can be traced back about sixty years ago, when legendary saxophonist and guitarist Nemours Jean-Baptiste created a new genre of Haitian music by fusing tradition Haitian meringue with contemporary music elements.

The lively Kompa is unique in its own. Its general sound can be immediately identified from other close genres with its warm and cheerful beat and its strong, heavy guitars, bass, percussion, and keyboards. Kompa lyrics are known for its purity and honesty, as it narrates the hardships and courage of Haitian people.

The upbeat and festive vibe of Kompa is rooted from most Haitians' will to keep moving forward despite the obstacles they endure along the way. Despite the unfortunate tragedies that the country has gone through, the music genre urges its people to be happy and be hopeful for a better tomorrow. Change is also a key element which Kompa musicians try to sing and play about.

Aside from the inspiration Haitians get from Kompa, the music genre is also a cure. During the 2010 earthquake that shook Haiti, Kompa artist Mikael Guirand of the band Carimi was in a meeting at the Digicel Tower of Port-au-Prince, the country's tallest building. He couldn't believe that he actually survived the incident and was devastated when as his father's business and his family's home was destroyed. Despite this, Guirand was able to recover through his music and push himself forward.

Haitian Kompa Music Video

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