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Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness
Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness
Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness

Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Karibe Convention Center in Juvenat transformed into a true cultural temple to close the 18th edition of the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival (PAPJAZZ). This year, the festival took place under the evocative theme "PAP JAZZ it UP", and it was held in three sites primarily located in the Pétion-Ville commune. The festival took place entirely at these wonderful musical venues: a reference was made to the Latin Quarter, the Haiti-Brazil Cultural Center, and the Karibe Hotel. Due to the deteriorating situation in downtown Port-au-Prince in recent times, the French Institute site had to be abandoned by the festival organizers. Nevertheless, we can absolutely call this 18th edition of Pap Jazz a success. Indeed, this festival, now a major event of the Haitian year, was especially marked this year by the great resilience and determination of the organizers who were able to adapt to the country’s rhythm in order to satisfy their loyal festival-goers. Despite the difficult context, these festival-goers did not miss the opportunity to escape their harsh daily lives through music. It’s also important to note that this 18th edition of Pap Jazz took place after two postponements, at the very beginning of this year, with the last one occurring in March due to insecurity. In this regard, it is appropriate to call the monumental achievement of the Haïti Jazz Foundation and their partners an exceptional feat, as they were not discouraged and showed remarkable tenacity, while adapting to offer Port-au-Prince and its surroundings this moment of growth, beyond the city’s great sorrow, through music.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A Program Worthy of the Event

This year, the Pap Jazz organizers particularly emphasized that the festival should be extraordinary. Given the difficult situation the country has been facing for some time, Joelle Widmaier, the festival’s artistic director, emphasized at the press conference from the start that they were aware of this situation. That is why this year, in addition to workshops and artist performances, initiatives such as "Jazz pour Timoun" (Jazz for Children), "Jazz pour les enfants déplacés à cause de la violence dans les camps" (Jazz for children displaced due to violence in camps), and "Mur de l’engagement" (Wall of Commitment) were introduced. The last initiative aimed to encourage festival-goers to make a commitment to the well-being of their country, through a written message that would later be shared on social media.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A Thirsty Audience

Throughout the various events that made up the festival, the observation was the same: there was an audience with a bitter thirst to live in a better country, who made the effort to go out and experience this beautiful music festival. Whether it was at the Karibe events, those in the Latin Quarter (where the after parties were held), or at the Haiti-Brazil Cultural Center, where the workshops took place, this amazing audience, with its thirst for a better Haiti, was clearly visible on their faces. And just that seemed to be a worthy reason for everyone to feel satisfied.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A 100% Local Festival

Due to the difficulties in bringing in foreign artists, as was always the case in previous editions, particularly because of the halt in services at Toussaint Louverture Airport, which can no longer receive flights from North America due to insecurity, the festival organizers made the winning decision to focus on local artists to fill the program this year. This was a good way to invest where the need is great. The absence of foreign musicians was not felt as much, as our musicians and artists gave their all to meet the satisfaction of the thousands of festival-goers who courageously traveled to experience this extraordinary artistic event.

In summary, artists such as Glaude Carré and his band behind his concept of Jazz desounen, Alexa Cherelus, Fameuse Maude who charmed the broken hearts of the Haitian people during her performance at Karibe with the famous song "Mpa ka ri" by Beethoven Obas, Ti sax, Kolo & Co, Kabysh, Welele, Ti Tanbou, Joël Widmaier himself, the great Kéké Bélizaire, young Leyla Alima, Clyde Duverné, Therly Job, Ami Jazz band, Aeson Fanfan, Norman Ineran Pierre, Ely Charles, Tiga, Alexis Lucson Mensrau, Elizer Guerismé, poet Ricardo Boucher, Badio, and the excellent Syto Cavé are, among others, names to remember, as they intelligently brought together their know-how and immense talent to offer this wonderful festival to an audience in desperate need of space for personal fulfillment.

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave
Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haitian culture is a true treasure, woven from the creativity of its artists, its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultural expressions. Among these cultural gems, the rara stands as a true national emblem, uniting Haitians through its captivating rhythms and centuries-old traditions. During the first Rara weekend, this very essence of Haitian culture shone brightly, revealing palpable social cohesion. Despite the absence of law enforcement, tranquility reigned in Petit-Goâve, testifying to the ability of citizens to come together in peace and conviviality. However, media attention was mainly focused on the first plain, leaving a certain imbalance in the coverage of the festivities. Ratyèfè, three-time reigning champion, once again captivated minds with his talent and artistic mastery, offering an unparalleled spectacle. But his rival, Lambi gran dlo, was not to be outdone, displaying a determination to compete for first place. The event was also marked by unfortunate incidents, reminding us that despite the beauty of tradition, tensions can arise. Clashes between fans of different groups tarnished the festive atmosphere, highlighting the need for careful management of celebrations to avoid such excesses. At the heart of this musical competition, where each group aspires to recognition and victory, a complex picture of rivalries and alliances emerges. Chenn tamarin, although appearing asleep in the first moments, shows signs of waking up, ready to shake up the established order. On Sunday evening, Lambi gran dlo honored the memory of one of its loyal supporters, while Grap Kenèp was the scene of violence between fans, recalling the fragility of social cohesion when passion runs wild. In this whirlwind of emotion and competition, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is the journalist who must look to the events, and not the other way around. This is how we draw up the first ranking for this first weekend: 1. Ratyèfè 2. Lambi grand dlo 3. Chenn tamarind Beyond the results, it is the preservation of unity and mutual respect that must remain at the heart of these celebrations, making the rara not only a musical festival, but above all a symbol of the wealth and resilience of the people Haitian.

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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Official launch of “Ewo” Beer: Haitian Pride across the World

December 1 marked an exceptional moment for the Haitian community and beer lovers around the world, with the official launch of “Ewo” beer by Haitian entrepreneur Jhonson Napoléon. After the success of “Kola Choucoune”, already present in several countries, including the United States and Canada, it is the turn of “Ewo” beer to take the American market by storm. Available in several cities in the United States, this beer embodies the perfect marriage between tradition and innovation, offering consumers a unique taste experience. “Ewo” beer is much more than just an alcoholic beverage. It is a delight that skillfully blends the authentic flavors of Haitian culture with a touch of innovation. In a country where Prestige beer and Barbancourt rum have already conquered palates around the world, “Ewo” beer is proudly added to the list of Haitian taste treasures. Jhonson Napoléon, the man behind this new creation, continues to fly the colors of Haïti across the globe. His commitment to promoting quality Haitian products continues to strengthen the reputation of his country of origin. “Ewo” beer is not just a drink, it is a symbol of Haitian creativity and perseverance that transcends borders. This new step demonstrates the country’s ability to be part of the global trend for quality craft beers. “Ewo” beer is not only a leading local product, but it also stands out on the international scene as the representative of a rich and dynamic culture. The pride that Haitians feel for the success of Jhonson Napoléon and the growing fame of “Ewo” beer is palpable. It is a success story that transcends geographic boundaries and embodies the strength of the Haitian entrepreneurial spirit.

Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Karibe Convention Center in Juvenat transformed into a true cultural temple to close the 18th edition of the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival (PAPJAZZ). This year, the festival took place under the evocative theme "PAP JAZZ it UP", and it was held in three sites primarily located in the Pétion-Ville commune. The festival took place entirely at these wonderful musical venues: a reference was made to the Latin Quarter, the Haiti-Brazil Cultural Center, and the Karibe Hotel. Due to the deteriorating situation in downtown Port-au-Prince in recent times, the French Institute site had to be abandoned by the festival organizers. Nevertheless, we can absolutely call this 18th edition of Pap Jazz a success. Indeed, this festival, now a major event of the Haitian year, was especially marked this year by the great resilience and determination of the organizers who were able to adapt to the country’s rhythm in order to satisfy their loyal festival-goers. Despite the difficult context, these festival-goers did not miss the opportunity to escape their harsh daily lives through music. It’s also important to note that this 18th edition of Pap Jazz took place after two postponements, at the very beginning of this year, with the last one occurring in March due to insecurity. In this regard, it is appropriate to call the monumental achievement of the Haïti Jazz Foundation and their partners an exceptional feat, as they were not discouraged and showed remarkable tenacity, while adapting to offer Port-au-Prince and its surroundings this moment of growth, beyond the city’s great sorrow, through music.

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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.

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