Banboch Kreyol: Celebration of Haitian Culture

Coney Island Amphitheater May 26th 2024

The Haitian Times presented Banbôch Kreyol, its annual celebration Haitian Arts and Culture at the Coney Island Amphitheater in association with Live Nation. The day-long event closed out Haitian Heritage Month.

Coney Island pulsated with the sounds of Haitian Kompa, Rara and Mizik Rasin, as Banboch Kreyol returned to the amphitheater. The Musical lineup included stars Mikael Guirand and VAYB, Tafa Mi-Soleil, Kai with Richard Cave, RAM, AndyBeatz, Rutshelle Guillaume, Alan Cave, DJ Colmix and The Feet of Rhythm dance company and drummers.

Tafa Mi-Soleil performed a heartfelt set of original songs, all sung in creole. Her 2023 release PHEONIX established her as a rising star in Haitian music. She performed music from that EP including   "Lakou" which, with over 6 million views, brought her music to the of ears of the international community.  Like Emeline Michel, a singer she regards as a mentor, she mixes contemporary and tradition in the music she writes and performs. 

Alan Cave known for his poetic approach to Kompa, sang tuneful, melodic selections spanning his career including “Chokola”, which had the audience swaying and singing along. 

RAM is well known for its Haitian roots rock (Mizik Rasin) holding court in weekly performances for over 20 years at the Hotel Olaffsson in Port au Prince, but this lineup was suprisingly different. The band’s emphasis was on the rock element for a harder, stripped down sound. Perhaps some of the band returned to Haiti after their relocation to New Orleans, a city with shared historical and musical traditions. Carnival season is a central part of both cultures, in its new home RAM recorded “Nan Ginen O (Peyi a Chanje)” The Country has Changed which they performed. The slimmed down percussion section was bolstered by electric guitar, bass, and drumkit and Lunise Morse fronted the group without co-leader Richard Morse.

Central Park Rara musicians began the day with a rousing musical procession up Surf Avenue past the Memorial Day weekend crowds giving all a taste of Haitian street music. The procession, featuring rara horns of different sizes each honking out a particular note that interacted to joyous affect. Drums and handheld percussion kept a lively parade beat that had listeners falling in behind as they marched. The musicians can be heard Sunday evenings during the summer in Central Park near the bandshell.

The Feet of Rhythm Dance Company is a fixture in Brooklyn Caribbean cultural scene. Founded in 1994, and led by Nadia Dieudonne and Cynthia Karaha, the Haitian folkloric dance company was created aiming to preserve and promote Haitian culture. For three decades the soulful traditions have been absorbed by succeeding generations of youth. 

Richard Cave once again proved why he is one of the most beloved contemporary musicians in Haiti. His set touched on his early career with CaRiMi and even leapt from the stage to serenade the audience and slap hands. His current band Kai, propelled the music with pumping Kompa that kept a tight knot of fans dancing in front of the stage throughout.