Compas, a cherished genre of Haitian music and dance that draws inspiration from merengue and features rich percussion, has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. This announcement was made on Wednesday, celebrating a rhythm that has been a part of Haitian life since the 1950s. The lively beats of compas can be heard resonate in bars, homes, and businesses throughout Haiti, serving as a vital source of joy amidst the challenges of poverty and increasing gang violence.
On November 18, as Haiti celebrated its qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, compas music filled the streets of Port-au-Prince, energizing the community and encouraging families to dance joyfully within their homes. Dominique Dupuy, the former foreign affairs minister of Haiti, expressed her delight on social media, referring to the UNESCO recognition as “an ode to joy.” In her message, she conveyed a sense of hope for the nation, particularly for the youth navigating through difficult times.
UNESCO’s acknowledgment of compas highlights its role in uniting people across different ages, genders, and backgrounds. The organization also celebrated the Cuban Son, emphasizing the importance of oral traditions in its lyrical storytelling. Compas, known in Haitian Creole as konpa or kompa, typically features a mix of instruments including the traditional Haitian drum (tanbou), congas, electric guitars, and trumpets. This genre is recognized for its cultural importance, often exploring themes of love, freedom, peace, and resistance.
In an enthusiastic response to the UNESCO decision, Sony Laventure, the owner of KOTR, a compas dance studio in Miami, shared how the music serves as his therapeutic outlet. “This allows me to step away, it allows me to be free from all things,” Laventure stated. Fresh off a trip to Kenya where he taught instructors the art of compas, he is soon headed to Paris to further spread this vibrant dance form. He reminisced about his musical upbringing, which was steeped in the traditions of konpa, fueled by his father’s musical influence and his mother’s love for dancing.
The recognition of compas as a part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage is a significant milestone for Haiti, reinforcing the resilience and vibrancy of its cultural expressions even in the face of adversity. This acknowledgment not only honors the genre’s past but also inspires hope and unity among the Haitian people as they look to the future.
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