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UNESCO, Haïti Jazz Foundation and MCC Unite for Kreyol Jazz
UNESCO, Haïti Jazz Foundation and MCC Unite for Kreyol Jazz
UNESCO, Haïti Jazz Foundation and MCC Unite for Kreyol Jazz

UNESCO, Haïti Jazz Foundation and MCC Unite for Kreyol Jazz

On Monday, April 28, 2025, UNESCO, represented by Mr. Éric Voli Bi, Director for Haiti, the Haïti Jazz Foundation, represented by Ms. Milena Sandler, Executive Director, and Mr. Joel Widmaier, Artistic Director of PAP Jazz, along with the Ministry of Culture and Communication, represented by Ms. Stéphanie Saint-Louis, Director of Cultural Affairs at the MCC, held a press conference at UNESCO’s office on Rue Geffrard in Pétion-Ville. During the event, they announced their alliance to promote Kreyol Jazz.

Summary

The press conference also marked the launch of a festival to be held from April 29 to May 3 in Pétion-Ville, Jacmel, and Cap-Haïtien. It will celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30 and will serve as a platform for major discussions on Kreyol Jazz. An international conference on April 29, themed "Kréyol Jazz: Multiple Identities, Market, a Musical Genre," will bring together experts, musicians, producers, researchers, broadcasters, and institutions from the Creole-speaking world to explore this unique genre that unites diverse styles (Vodou Jazz, Maloya Jazz, Biguine Jazz, Jazz Ka, Caribbean Jazz…) within the Francophone space.

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Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

The goal is to enhance visibility, tap into its economic potential, and uncover new opportunities for Haïti and the wider Creole world. This festival will also echo the recent PAP Jazz Festival, reaffirming Haiti’s musical vibrancy despite ongoing political and security challenges.

According to the organizers, Kreyol Jazz reflects Haitian creativity and can enhance the country’s image. They used the global celebration of jazz to spark deep reflection on the benefits this genre could bring to Haiti.

Ms. Stéphanie, speaking on behalf of Minister Patrice Delatour, emphasized the Ministry’s strong support for this initiative, which not only promotes Haitian music but also the Creole language as a vital tool of national identity. She added that it could improve the livelihoods of many young Haitian musicians.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Joel Widmaier, representing the Haïti Jazz Foundation, expressed honor in being part of the project and highlighted the foundation’s pivotal role in spreading this genre in Haiti.

UNESCO, leading the initiative, emphasized through its Haïti Director that this festival is part of the "State-Citizen" relationship project, carried out with UNDP and IOM, and funded by the Peacebuilding Fund. The project aims to promote Kreyol Jazz as a distinct and marketable genre, celebrating Creole traditions and fusion in a spirit of social cohesion, youth inclusion, and cultural and economic development.

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Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Haïti / Fort Picolet: Historical Guardian of Liberty

Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s historic jewel, is home to a fascinating architectural relic: Fort Picolet. Built at the end of the 18th century by the French, this imposing bastion majestically dominates the bay of Cap-Haïtien, bearing witness to the tumults of Haitian history and the fierce struggle for independence. The history of Fort Picolet is closely linked to that of Haiti, particularly at the time of the Haitian Revolution. During this tumultuous period, when slaves and freedmen rose up against colonial oppression, the fort was the scene of epic battles and fierce sieges. Sometimes used by French forces, sometimes by Haitian revolutionaries, Fort Picolet was a silent witness to the events that shaped the destiny of the nation. Designed with a strategic vision, the fort embodies the military architecture of its era. Its thick stone walls, strategically positioned cannons and viewpoints overlooking the bay make it an impregnable bastion. Its name, Fort Picolet, pays homage to General Louis Marie, Marquis de Picolet, French governor of Cap-Français at the end of the 18th century. Today, Fort Picolet remains much more than a simple historical monument. It is a living symbol of the resilience and determination of the Haitian people. Visitors who wander through its ruins can feel the imprint of history and contemplate the remains of a tumultuous past. From up there, a panoramic view of the bay of Cap-Haitien is available to them, offering a unique perspective on the strategic importance of this place in the maritime history of Haiti. As a pillar of Haitian tourism, Fort Picolet attracts visitors from around the world. Its historical aura, combined with the natural beauty of its environment, makes it a must-see destination for history and culture lovers. More than just a tourist attraction, Fort Picolet is a poignant testimony to the endless struggle for freedom and the cultural richness of Haiti. Throughout the centuries, Fort Picolet has survived the test of time, reminding everyone that freedom is an inalienable right, hard won and carefully preserved. By exploring its ramparts, contemplating its silent cannons, visitors find themselves immersed in the tormented history of Haiti, a story of courage, resistance and hope. Live an extraordinary experience by virtually visiting the ruins of Fort Picolet: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti-virtual-reality-ht/monuments-histoire/haiti--fort-picolet--visite-virtuelle/14

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