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The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.compas direct
The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.
compas direct
  • July 03, 2024
  • | 1

The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.

Music plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a nation; in Haiti, it occupies a central place in the lives of almost all Haitians. It is used as one of the most reliable means used by the Haitian people to escape from the many events that constitute the majority of their daily lives.

The musical genre that predominates in Haïti is direct compass. Created by the Haitian creative spirit, the compass evolved over the years to reach its current position. Today we can say with certainty that it is a musical genre that transcends generations and borders, becoming a symbol of pride and an inspiring sign for Haitians around the world.

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The compass a real instrument of social cohesion

The privileged place occupied by the compass allows it to be an omnipresent musical genre in Haitian society. It is found both in the most exclusive salons and in the neighborhoods most exposed to poverty. It manifests itself strongly in all religious cults (Protestants; Catholics; Vodouists); popular festivities, including political movements. It is also a means of celebration, protest, and above all, preservation of Haitian cultural identity in the face of the challenges of acculturation due to the strong exposure of young Haitians to dominant external cultures.

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The origin of the direct compass.

The direct compass was born in the middle of the 20th century and then was popularized by Nemours Jean-Baptiste, a famous Haitian musician, internationally recognized and considered the father of the direct compass, it was he who launched the genre in 1955 with his orchestra musical.

Technically the compass is a mixture of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, meringue and African-American jazz influences, characterized by driving rhythms and bass lines. This fusion gave birth to a distinctive sound that quickly captured the hearts of Haitians and West Indians in general.

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The influence of the compass in life in Haïti and within the Haitian diaspora.

The compass is not just a musical genre; it is a way of life for many Haitians. For the Haitian diaspora, the compass is a means of attachment to the country. It is an effective tool for combating exile and feeling in the middle of your culture just by listening to a piece of music.

The lyrics of compas songs most often reflect the social and political realities of the country and those of Haitians in the diaspora. We can cite as examples the works of ti manno, with his group dipi-exprès those of skacha #1, a group of internationally recognized compass, whose sounds recount the daily adventures of Haitians, the beauty of Haitian women and the joys of Haitians despite their difficulties. We can take "koupé klouré" as an example to conclude, Gesner Henry, his real name, is the greatest phenomenon of the compass. Listening to him we feel very clearly the intimacy of Haitians which is revealed in broad daylight, thus becoming a mirror of Haitian society. Generally speaking, compass artists are emblematic figures who inspire and mobilize in society. Their voice matters a lot.

Rutshelle Guillaume and Blondedy Ferdinand Team Up to Launch RGGlow

Elephant Haitian music and film icons Rutshelle Guillaume and Blondedy Ferdinand are adding another string to their bow with the launch of "RGGlow," a premium skincare brand. This unprecedented collaboration reflects their shared commitment to female empowerment and the celebration of beauty in all its diversity. Set to launch on December 12, 2024, the "RGGlow" line promises products designed to nourish, rejuvenate, and brighten the skin. Made with quality ingredients, "RGGlow" products aim to meet the specific needs of women looking for effective and elegant solutions for their beauty routine. The official launch will take place during an exclusive event at Blondedy Ferdinand Studio, starting at 5 p.m. The event will bring together celebrities, beauty professionals, and fans to celebrate this unique initiative. This is an anticipated moment that will mark the beginning of an ambitious and inspiring project. Beforehand, an exclusive live will be broadcast on December 11 at 7 p.m. on all platforms, allowing the general public to discover the behind the scenes of this entrepreneurial adventure. Rutshelle Guillaume and Blondedy Ferdinand will share the inspirations behind RGGlow, while revealing some secrets about the products that make up this range. This project represents much more than a simple cosmetics brand. RGGlow positions itself as a symbol of unity and determination, carried by two powerful and influential figures. Through this collaboration, Rutshelle and Blondedy wish not only to offer quality products, but also to convey a strong message: every woman deserves to feel beautiful, radiant and confident.

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The evolution of the compass.

Since its creation, the compass has undergone numerous developments. In the 1970s and 1980s it went international with bands like Tabou Combo and Magnum Band who brought the genre to the world stage. In the 1990s and 2000s, Compass incorporated elements of electronic music, rap and reggae, while still retaining its roots. Today, the compass continues to reinvent itself, influencing and being influenced by other musical genres, while remaining true to its essence.
At first glance, the nemours compass is not that of zenglen, djakout, or even zafèm to cite the current group of superstars of the direct compass at the moment. It is a music reworked almost from top to bottom and whose most necessary tools and instruments have been reworked in order to be able to adapt to the demands of our time.

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The compass at the origin of zouk

The impact of the direct compass on zouk and West Indian music in general is very considerable. And can only be measured on a multiple variation scale.
Departing from this significant impact, the Antilles remain favorable terrain for the development of the compass outside of Haiti. And it is practically from this influence that the greatest classics of West Indian music emerge.

In the 1980s, Guadeloupean and Martinican musicians, such as the founders of the group Kassav’, were inspired by the compass to create zouk. This new genre which had quickly gained popularity in the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, establishing a musical bridge between the West Indians and the rest of the world. Enriching the Caribbean musical heritage, by uniting all the West Indian peoples through a common musical history.
The compass can boast of being at the origin of West Indian zouk.

In other words, beyond the painful memories of slavery and the socio-economic challenges that characterize the West Indies, the direct compass from its great influence stands out as a unifying element which Haitians and West Indians use to create a common voice. It represents the resilience, creativity and joy of living of the Haitian people who refuse to stay on the ground.

In short, direct compass is much more than a musical genre; it is a reflection of the Haitian soul and a testimony to the cultural richness of the Antilles. It continues to evolve, and will continue to unite and inspire, affirming its central place in the identity of an entire region. And Haïti has the precious privilege of being at the origin of this highly impactful musical phenomenon. It is one of the elements which confirms the great cultural wealth of this beautiful little Caribbean country.

Emeline Michel, in exceptional concert in Miami

St. Clement Parish celebrates its seventy years of service to God and the Haitian community, this November 23, 2024, at 2975 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors, FL. On the occasion of this celebration, Emeline Michel will be in exceptional concert to mark this cultural event. On the menu of this program, the committee plans to organize evangelization sessions, continuing education, fields of ethics, morality and spirituality. This event will also emphasize faith, reason and culture to rebuild in unity the kingdom of God here below where "Charity unites us to God". With the aim of raising culture to its peak, the Archbishop of Miami is pleased to join us for a great Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, November 23, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. Together, they will mark this mythical date engraved in the memory of his faithful and friends. This evening will be hosted by the icon of Haitian music, Emeline Michel, who has made a name for herself in the Haitian cultural landscape: "We welcome the famous singer Emeline Michel. She will do us the honor of reliving important and unforgettable moments of our charming land of Haiti. With her melodious, very captivating voice and her poetic songs, all the beautiful memories will be there, like our beaches, the light breeze of our mornings and the flight of capricious birds," wrote the press release. The 58-year-old diva continues to establish herself as one of the unique, contagious voices of Haitian music. While remaining in her style, she has been able to create her musical universe during her career, which has allowed her to be honored in the community by her fans. Emeline Michel, with her sincere lyrics and unique style, has managed to reach a wide audience without giving up her authenticity. With her songs and her melodious voice, she has rocked several generations. Throughout her musical career, she has an enriching repertoire, about thirteen albums to her credit, we can cite a few: Douvanjou ka leve (1987); Flanm (1989); Pa gen manti nan sa (1990); Rhum et Flamme (1993); Tout mon temps (1991); Emeline Michel, the very best (1994); Ban m pase (1996); Coedes and Soul (2001); Rasin Kreyòl (2004); Queen of Hearts (2007); Quintessence and lastly Gratitude (2015). She also has many collaborations with other artists. Chanjman and Jan mwen (2020, and 2021) Emeline Michel, 40 years of experience on stage, she carries all Haïti in her voice, her soul and her body. During her flourishing years of success, she has marked several continents where she has already performed (Antilles, America, Europe, Asia). This allowed her to discover several places, such as: Carnegie Hall, at the United Nations; the Teatro Manzoni in Milan; the Kravis Center in Florida; the International Jazz Festival (Haiti). Then, the Luminato Festival in Ontario; the International Jazz of Montreal; the New Orleans Jazz Fest; the Ten Days On The Island. The priest of the parish of St. Clement, Rev. Patrick Charles, took the opportunity to extend a warm invitation to the community to come celebrate this great day marking its seventieth anniversary and to entertain in order to once again highlight Haitian culture.

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About the Author
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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François Dordy

Mwen ta renmen aprann plis sou kilti m avèk Wonderland.
Mèsi anpil pou gwo travay sa a.
Kenbe djanm.

November 01, 2024 - 06:40:10 AM
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Haïti Wonderland: How to Rewrite the Narrative of Haïti on the Web?

For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.

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History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.