This Friday, July 26, 2024, the 69th anniversary of the compas direct, Augustin Antoine, as Minister of Culture, paid tribute to the memory of Nemours Jean-Baptiste, creator of this musical style. He also applauded the work of all those who are dedicated to the perpetuation of the Compas and its promotion at the international level.

Minister Antoine reiterated the Government's desire to protect the country's cultural values, in particular the "Konpa" and to constantly ensure its transmission as an element of heritage.

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During the 1950s, thanks to the magic of a Haitian saxophonist, Nemours Jean-Baptiste, a musical trend emerged, the Compas Direct / "Konpa Dirèk" which will guide the musical podium and the dance floor in Haiti.

Coming out of our ancestral and traditional rhythms mixed with Caribbean colors, the Compas has established itself. Despite all the socio-political crises that Haiti has experienced, the Konpa still holds its place in our celebrations, our country and patronal festivals and is at the heart of Haitian daily life. It is essential in family, public and political life.

Registered in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Haiti since October 21, 2019, the "Konpa" is ready to become an international heritage. To this end, the application file on the practice of Konpa dance and music for inscription on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity is submitted to UNESCO by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Permanent Delegation of Haiti to UNESCO, and actors from the Haitian music industry and civil society.

IH/ iciHaiti