The Agronomist: Jean Dominique

If you have yet to see this film, please make it your business to.

A superb doc about the Haitian journalist, activist, radio station owner and gigantic personality that was Jean Dominique. His approach to journalism resembled more of relentless detective work while his uncompromising attitude in the pursuit of truth and justice led Haitians to recognize him as a national hero. Alongside his wife Michele Montas, the film allows us to see Dominique at his essence, the agronomist who believed in the power of his people. This film helped me have a better understanding of the meaning of journalism in Haiti as opposed to elsewhere. Some noteworthy collaborators include Edwidge Danticat as a producer and score by Wyclef Jean.

Boukman Eksperyans: Ke'm Pa Sote

Classic!!

Political Opinions from A Few Artists I Respect

Edwidge Danticat and Raoul Peck weigh in on the current political atmosphere in Haiti and speculate about what comes next. Of course I STAN for Edwidge, her books alone made me reeeeally consider getting an MFA in writing. Beyond her gifts of imagery and transporting you to her settings and among her characters, her genuine love and respect for her people is always apparent. (More on her here). Raoul Peck is a filmmaker who I also admire. He grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a result of the end of the Belgian colonialism and the need of French-speaking black professionals, like Peck's parents. Of his work, I have recently seen Lumumba, about the Congolese nationalist and activist Patrice Lumumba. (Peck's IMDB page).

Haitian Music's Women: Princess Eud

March is Women's History Month. I had to show some love to the sisters in Konpa and the HMI in general. I digg this chick's style and she's making me really want some long locs! Big ups to her because this vid definitely made me happy!

Musique Engagé

My uber-informed aunt was telling me about musique engagé when this man's voice came on the Haitian segment of a radio show. His name, she told me was Manno Charlemagne and his music was categorized as such because its subject always concerned some type of political or social consciousness. It's got the bare essentials, a lone (beautiful) voice and an acoustic guitar, yet he manages to be very captivating. Reminds me a lot of conscious rap as far as content and subject material.

Are there present day musicians that have followed Manno's lead?

Haitian Painter: Hector Hyppolite

This piece is called "Papa Zaca and Papa Ogoun" by Hector Hyppolite in 1947. Historical, religious themes blended. Not surprisingly so as Hector identified as both a painter and an hougan. 

Bon Retour....?

Surprised? Well don't be! This, after all is Haiti, and Haitian politics are chock full of surprises!

Remember this guy?!

Sure you do.

Though he's looking more like this these days...

And if that wasn't enough,  just DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION

Jean Betrand "Titid" Aristide returns: March 18, 2011

Here's what he had to say:

The Future

      Sometimes the news from our country seems unbearable; just as we are coping with the last bombardment of bad news, a new day brings worse. At times I question god, "why does our country have to be so backwards, so regressive"? I am tired of hearing about the "good old times" from my family's collective nostalgia that seems as vivid as yesterday, thirty years later. Could we not be the under(under)dog for once and have some system of progress, maybe even function? Hell, I'd throw my conscience aside and even take the role as exploiter over that of exploited, though I condemn such actions usually.

      Then the resignation sets in, not because of defeat, but because acceptance is a necessary tool in survival. Paired with hope and action, it is that very pragmatism that keeps us realistic with the facts of life and laws of the universe.

       I personally derive a great deal of my inspiration from the potential that this small nation hosts. The intelligence, discipline and perseverance I encounter in the jaspora ayisien can only be a diluted version of the REAL Haitian way, and I respect it. I am motivated by the thought of "what many Haitian kids would do had they my opportunities". They'd shine. And for this reason, they are worth every bit of sacrifice, advocacy and change we can offer, no more no less. 

Debate Between Haitian Presidential Candidates Martelly and Manigat

In case you missed the debate- check it out on Martelly's personal Ustream account below. Overall, a good debate, with each candidate's personality (and thus image) being cemented before the election run-off.

http://www.livestream.com/martelly

why kremas?

Let's be real. There's nothing better than it? Except maybe blan mange, but there is no Christmas holiday season without some and who doesn't love it? It's as necessary as soup joumou. Duh (winning) What really inspired this blog is the love of konpa (kompa, compas) and many other aspects of Haitian culture in general. I am not one to claim its superiority over other cultures, however living in the jaspora, the culture has done me good and I feel indebted to celebrate it and its vessels in return :D