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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.

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.

Emeline Michel, in exceptional concert in Miami
Emeline Michel, in exceptional concert in Miami

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.

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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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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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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