KOMPA! MAGAZINE

[MusiQ]

Aside from making people dance, it’s safe to say that the kompa genre is a social movement in itself. Would I be out of line if I say Kompa does bridges all classes and that’s why it is mostly enjoyed by all instead of a say specific social class? There aren’t any social classes in Haiti that have not enjoyed or participated within a kompa setting. As in most culture the music set a tone and tells a story. Each class associate itself with a genre that better suit them or represent them. Haiti is very diverse with such.

Root music, mostly practice in the countryside brings out the afro-culture, the past connection, the beginning of the revolution and the source of many political movements.

Adopted genres such as Classical, Salsa, Meringue, Mambo, Calypso and Jazz tend to lean closely to the middle and upper classes. Not because they are better, simply because of exposure. Root music connection to vodou religion (pagan as described by some) so making it not a preferable genre by most people of these classes. Furthermore, anything root is subject to criticism, it would make them less hip and uncivilized.

Now Kompa, the brain child of Haiti, pull together all the genres and assemble all the classes. Now I understand better why most Kompa lovers do protest against the merging/ fusing of any commercial genres with Kompa. It’s much more than a genre it’s a social/cultural statement.

This is just my opinion, not intended to disrespect anyone and their beliefs.

[Zanmi]

Congrats for your thought, and post. Again, just by how many replies you get for this post, you could easily see how we, Haitians think.

I can see your point about music playing a part in the social movement of a country, but unfortunately for us konpa of today has not play its role. Really, listen to the lyrics of today's bands, very few of them get into the social fabric of our country. In a way, konpa soongs are based on vanity mainly. back in the days, when you listened to the konpa direct bands, they did not only play good music, but their lyrics had substance.

Konpa today is nothing but noise, and seldom have any message. They talked about vanity, and showing off how well they are doing. The musicians acted as superstars, while they can barely make a living. Yo pale lot mal tout kote yo pase. The polemic between the bands are just ridiculous, and senseless. For exmple Krezi and Kreyo la, two bands with no clear identity, and yet they are the focus of so many people.

I just don't see how konpa contribute in the social movement of today. I really don't see it. Yes, I have to agree that all Haitians listen and enjoy konpa, but definitely Konpa is on the decline when compared to yesterday. Konpa is in serious trouble, and we all know it.
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Ann met tet ansanm

[Ben1265]

You're being too harsh, Zanmi. There are many songs with social contents. True, there is a lot of dumb chest pumping in may songs' lyrics, but there's deep stuff as well. Funny, two bands you singled out, Kreyol La and Krezi, pay particular attention to the lyrics they come out with. Go back and give it another listen.

[Inconnu]

Quote:

Krezi and Kreyo la, two bands with no clear identity, and yet they are the focus of so many people.

As a Krezi fan, I'm a little bit insulted. Just a little bit. Why?

Well, I find Krezi to be a very socially-conscious band.

To start, the cover art of their CD alone makes a very good impression in this regard.

Moreover, social problems as prostitution, domestic violence, and many others are treated on the album.

As for Kreyòl La, I guess you could call them "Djaz la Jenès La". For, with the exception of Kore'm, Viktwa, and the Kanaval, every single song on their album is about love.

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Now, back to the original post!!!