Konpa, Haiti’s beloved music genre, has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1950s. This article traces the chronological history of konpa, highlighting key milestones, political influences, and its interaction with other genres like zouk. 1950s: The Birth of Konpa In 1955, Nemours Jean-Baptiste created konpa dirèk, a variation of the Haitian meringue. This new genre...
At KOTR Konpa Dance Studio, we believe that understanding the roots of Haitian Konpa music is essential for truly connecting with the art form we teach and love. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to meet with Jean Claude Vivens, the author of the Konpa Encyclopedia, a groundbreaking resource that chronicles the rich history of...
Haitian Kontredans, often considered one of the most significant cultural expressions in the history of Haitian folk dance, holds a unique place in Haiti’s rich tradition of music and movement. A dance that originated in the late 18th century and flourished in the 19th century, Kontredans blends elements of French ballroom style with Afro-Caribbean rhythms...
