contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.
The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.
The compas direct: an important part of Haitian identity.
  • Music
  • 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.

Compas
Compas
Compas

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.

Compas
Compas
Compas

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.

Compas
Compas
Compas

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.

Compas
Compas
Compas

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.

Compas
Compas
Compas

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.

Share
About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

See other articles from Moise Francois
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
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.

A Call for Online Media Awareness to improve the image of Haïti on the internet

A simple Google search for "Haïti" will leave you with a bitter taste, as you will mostly discover degrading images that fail to pay homage to Haïti’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. This reality stems from a multitude of online media outlets that, in their relentless quest for visibility and profit, disseminate images that do not reflect the true essence of Haïti. It is time to challenge this trend and raise awareness among Haïtian online media of the profound impact of their editorial choices on the image of their own country. b~The Consequences of the Dissemination of Degrading Images:~b Sharing degrading images of Haïti contributes to perpetuating prejudices and reinforcing negative stereotypes associated with the country. This can have serious consequences for tourism, foreign investment, and even the national pride of Haïtians. Furthermore, it creates a distortion of reality, masking the many positive and inspiring aspects of Haïti. b~A Call for Editorial Responsibility:~b It is imperative that Haïtian online media take editorial responsibility in ensuring that the images and stories they broadcast reflect the diversity and richness of Haïti. Rather than focusing only on the negative aspects, they should highlight the successes, positive initiatives, and exceptional contributions of Haïtians to global society. b~Promote a Balanced Image:~b Haïti’s diversity, both culturally and socially, deserves to be celebrated. Haïtian online media have the opportunity to play a key role in promoting a more balanced image of the country by highlighting its successes, its innovations and its rich history. This will not only help educate the global public, but also inspire pride and confidence in Haïtians themselves. It is time for Haïtian online media to realize their power as opinion shapers and actively contribute to transforming Haïti’s image. By choosing to share balanced and positive stories, they can play a vital role in building a more accurate and respectful perception of this remarkable country. It is a call for editorial responsibility, sensitivity and national pride, in order to restore Haïti to its rightful place on the world stage.

Haiti, dream space.

Between dream and Haitian reality: A call for unity and action Many men have dreamed big for Haiti. Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are examples. Although torn apart by invisible hands, the social fabric of the country had always been considered the greatest project to be set in motion by men of letters. Until then, the history of Haïti remains and remains for Haitians the most appropriate space to dream and propose full and complete freedom. Indeed, Toussaint Louverture had the dream of improving the lot of slaves. Dessalines, for his part, sacrificed himself for the independence of our island (Haiti-Saint-Domingue). After our liberation from the French, men of letters had to take other paths to safeguard the dignity of the country. This situation showed another form of revolution like poets of the patriotism school with supporters such as: Louis Joseph Janvier, Anténor Firmin, Demesvar Délorme and the Generation of the Round with Fernand Hibbert, Georges Sylvain also the indigenous school with Jean Price Mars, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Roussan Camille etc... who express their discontent by pouring ink. By describing or painting the situation of the country. Several years which were first conceived and then born the idea of ​​giving the country its sovereignty, its own bicolor, its army, etc. it was not easy and did not continue like this. Haïti needs for the moment men of dreams, men who love their countries, but not the wealth of this country, men who love the happiness of their country, but not its misfortunes, men who have viable projects , but are not specialists in carnage who are only interested in their pockets, rather for the happiness of our two-tone, men who must fight against corruption, against waste, against the invisible hands of foreigners, against this form of public administration which targets only a small group of people in the country to the detriment of the population, this form of insecurity planned by the state, the so-called bourgeoisies, economic powers from abroad such as: France, USA, Canada, Brazil. q~Haïti in 1979 with full power. Maître Fevry is said to have declared: The dream of Haïti cannot support, nor accept improvised solutions ~q. The Haitian’s dream must always be a team effort. A team of men of skill, vision, good will, reflection and meditation. q~ Men who can place their personal and private interests over public interests. Men who want to make a new start to achieve the dream of Jean Jacques Dessalines and that of Henri Christophe who aimed that Haitians will not envy any other country in the world so that all Haitians can be happy in their own country, chanted Professor Lesly Saint Roc Manigat.~q Our dear Haiti, which was once the pearl of the Antilles, is no longer present today. For this we ask all Haitians: children, young people, adults and old people, let us unite our arms, our strength, our voices and all that we could do to liberate our dear homeland Haïti Chérie. Let’s change our reality together! Long live Haiti, long live freedom for the whole world.

Recently Posted

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.

  • +
    • Post