Music

Haitian music incorporates a diverse spectrum of influences from the many people that have settled on this Caribbean island. It is influenced by French, African rhythms, Spanish elements, and others who have lived on the island of Hispaniola, as well as modest native Taino influences. Music originating from Vodou ceremonial traditions, rara parade music, twoubadou ballads, mini-jazz rock bands, rasin movement, hip hop kreyl, the enormously popular compas, and méringue as its main beat are all unique to Haiti.

Compas, short for compas direct, is a popular song today that was made popular by Nemours Jean-Baptiste on a 1955 album. The term is derived from the Spanish word compás, which means rhythm or tones. Haitian music incorporates a diverse spectrum of influences from the many people that have settled on this Caribbean island. It is influenced by French, African rhythms, Spanish elements, and others who have lived on the island of Hispaniola, as well as modest native Taino influences. Music originating from Vodou ceremonial traditions, rara parade music, twoubadou ballads, mini-jazz rock bands, rasin movement, hip hop kreyl, the enormously popular compas, and méringue as its main beat are all unique to Haiti.