Haitian with Emeline
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Haiti’s music reflects the different groups that have lived on the island, melding French, Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. There are many different styles of Haitian music. Perhaps the most popular and culturally significant is compas, a complex dance music characterized by the signature tanbou beat. These popular genres grow directly out of Haitian folk traditions, with many folk elements incorporated into contemporary pop music.
Emeline’s original music fuses the traditions of her home country with elements of jazz, blues, and R&B, and has lyrics sung in both English and Haitian Creole. She began singing with a gospel choir in Gonaïves, Haiti, where she spent her childhood. After studying at the Detroit Jazz Center, she returned to Haiti where her career blossomed. Now based in New York, Emeline is known as a respected voice for social issues concerning women and children worldwide.
Lessons
Resources for Teachers
The following resources provide background information about the musical genre and culture. Some are intended to be shared with students; others are for teachers who may want to explore further on their own.
Listening
- Visit emeline-michel.com to hear more Haitian songs from Emeline.
- Ti-Coca & Wanga-Nègès, “Pè Bawon”
- Martha Jean Claude, “Choucoune”
- Boukman Eksperyans, “Pèpè Yè”
- Beethova Obas, “Rasanble”
Reading
- Little Fanfan Sings and Dances in Haiti, Susan Gleason Pierre
Videos
- Serenade for Haiti, directed by Owsley Brown
- The Agronomist, directed by Jonathan Demme
Literacy Extension
- Little Fanfan Sings and Dances in Haiti, Susan Gleason Pierre-Louis
Image Credits
“Dusk Falls on Cap-Haitien, Haiti” by Steve Bennett is licensed by CC BY-NC 2.0.
“View of Haitian Landscape” by Michelle Walz Eriksson is licensed by CC BY 2.0.