Haiti - Burning Paradise
by John Marchant
The sound of
Haiti has long been entwined with the religious fury of Voodoo,
historically linking slaves brought from the Fon of Benin to tumultuous
present day life in Haiti. Voodoo describes a belief in good and
evil spirits mixing African folklore elements, rituals and rhythms.
These rites include singing, drumbeats and dances that call down
the gods or loas from the voodoo pantheon. Haitian music exhibits
a unique combination of Afro-Hispanic roots prevalent in the Caribbean,
and a resurgent blend of French/Creole culture.
Haitian musicians
have to be careful to avoid political reprisals and censorship.
The outspoken singer-songwrter Manno Charlemagne has remained a
key figure despite a lengthy forced exile. Boukman Eksperyans -
named after a 17th century revolutionary leader - utilise the popular
carnival meringue or Rara style to convey their message of political
hope. On the Vodou Adjae on Mango/Island Boukman Eksperyans
carefully celebrate their new found social and religious freedom.
Rara and Compas
styles feature large arrangements traditionally driven by accordian
and guitar and now laced with salsa, jazz and, particularly in New
York variations, rap (The New York SuperStars and Zin being two
prime exponents). Free from the travel constraints of their Cuban
cousins, Haitian bands are popular in North America - Nouvel Jenerayshun
and Tabou Combo (who have now relocated to New York and can be heard
on 8'eme Sacrament and Zap!- (Mini Records)) are known
across the world for their Combas extravagance, often sweetened
with the dance-funk sound of zouk.
A quick introduction
to Haitian music can be found in filmmaker Jonathan Demme's compilation
Konbit on A&M; try also the newly released Rhythms Of
Rapture: Sacred Musics Of Haitian Vodou on Smithsonian Folkways
Also on Smithsonian though altogether earthier is Caribbean Revels
- a collection of field recordings partly executed in Haitian cemeteries.
Also of interest is Marc Ribot Plays Solo Guitar Works of Frantz
Casseus very fluid compositions written between 1940-80 which
comprise a national music for Haiti.
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