Konpa crossing over

Date: Aug 21, 2009

RE: Konpa crossing over

Date: Apr 26, 2008

Romk wrote:

Kompa crossing over

I was a dj for about 12 years; I played at many clubs in many cities.

This is what I believe,

Haitian music is not just about kompa, we have a variety of other genres playing in our country and you guys choose kompa to be the one to cross over.

Do you guys remember "Kankou Mizik" an annual event sponsoreda the time in part by American Airlines; an event that put forward artist like Beetova, Emeline, Mizik Mizik & Co., and many more who are known now to be successful artist in the HMI? Well that was not just about Kompa. It was rather our music in general making reference to our culture therefore does not only mean kompa.

If Emline Michell can be successful in the type of music she does which makes reference to our culture, kompa does not really have to be the one to cross over. Which applies as well to Boukman Experience?

This is just my opinion and I think that we need to focus more on the bigger picture with respect to our music than to just kompa because of that wehn other people do well we tend not to think of it as a success for our music. But if it were kompa, I gues, that would be a different story.

I am one the people pushing for our music and culture to get some kind recognition in the global market center stage of the music industry, I have to look at things that way so that I don't have to get stuck up with the idea of kompa being our primary music where as Racine can be better appreciated by the world than kompa.

Date: Dec 13, 2007

J Lafleur wrote:

Everyone's opinions have some merit but the best way to promote konpa music, is for Haitians abroad to share it with everyone, don't hesitate to play it in front of non creole speakers play it load and play it often!! not being able to understand the words is not a real excuse how many Haitians love spanish music and simply know the words amigo and yo quiero taco bell! we must first learn to embrace our culture ourselves and stop making excuses of all the millions of haitians that live in every crack and crevice of this earth why have all the artist have not sold millions already ?

one love

Date: Oct 13, 2007

The problem is the music itself. It mirrors the decay of the overall culture. Compas is a rythmn. You can do anything you want over a rythmn, harmonically and melodically speaking. Unfortunately, ALL compas bands reproduce the same old boring song, and the texts are more and more idiotic.

I really see no difference in all these US-diaspora, black middle-class musicians, who look more like African-American clowns, covered in congo jewels and sunglasses, with clothing styles so outrageous, only a third-world culture can accept as "fly". Plus, they are singing in an unintelligible language (for the mainstream).

People, let go of your dreams of seeing compas crossing over. Tabou Combo tried it in the 70's, to no avail, and it's quite understandable. I'm not a big fan of Tabou, but at least they tried.

Tabou did cross over in francophone Europe, thanks to the population of Martinicans and Guadeloupeans in France (more than the population in those two islands, respectively) ; there was a TV5 global special on Tabou, a few years back.

Can you imagine the same for the poubelle-music of Sweet Micky, or the platitudes of Carimi, Nu Look, D-Zign (or however the hell that name is written) and all those copie-conforme bands that seem to pop up every week... ?

(I must say that apart from the créole issue, Papash, Shap and Lakol did quite credible productions in the 90's that COULD have croosed over, had they been in another language than créole).

I was a kid then, but GEEZ I miss the 70's... !!

Date: May 30, 2007

Tcam509 wrote:i think that its about time yall do because white people think that they are haitians others want to be hatians so let show them who we are and trust our instinc all of our instincts.

I was in Paris from May 28 to June 5, 2004 to assist "Festival Ayiti Cheri" organized by "Caraibes Aller Retour" which is composed of French promoters.

Five bands from Haiti were chosen: Racine Mapou de Azor (racine music,voodoo), Boukman Eksperyans (rock,reggae, hip hop), Ti Coca (troubadour, folklore), Brothers Posse (rock, rap, reggae, rara) and L'Orchestre Septentrional (Konpa,meringues,rythmes de feu).

The concerts in Angouleme (outside of Paris) were outdoors and there were packed with people from all over. I met people from Cuba, China, Korea etc....

The concerts in Paris at Cabaret Sauvage (500 people) were as follows:

June 1, 2004 - Ilan Ilan and Racine Mapou June 2, 2004 - Brothers Posse and Boukman Eksperyans June 3, 2004 - Dance with Ti Coca and L'Orchestre Septentrional

In my opinion the French public's appreciation was for: Boukman Eksperyans and Brothers Posse because the place was packed on June 2 with 95% French/Mix 5% Haitian. Boukman Eksperyans is well known in Europe as a matter of fact they are on tour for 2 months. They even had articles about them in Angouleme. Lolo is the Haitian Bob Marley

On June 3, (350-400 people) 75% French/Mix 25% Haitian. L'Orchestre Septentrional and Ti Coca was more appreciated by the Haitian crowd because Konpa is not crossed over yet.

Even though Tabou Combo and many other bands have performed au Zenith, "KONPA" is still a problem.

Overall the concerts were great and that is a good way to promote our culture internationally.

TCam

Date: Apr 9, 2007

Panayotis

Date: Feb 9, 2007

RE: Konpa crossing over

Date: Jan 1, 2007

Joe D wrote:

Konpa is one of the best music genre in the world, but Haiitans don't know how to promote to it other nations. If you had any decent producers and promoters, we certainly could would made into the American mainstream? Most of so-call Haiitan producers and records label have no clues of what they're doing. Konpa has been around for nearly 45 years now, and we still have not found a way to promote the music yet . It's a shame. Joe

Date: Dec 8, 2006

we cannot event market the music to Haitians and the French caribbean, can someone explain to me how konpa is goign to cross over to the American market. I think Haitian music stand a better chance with Rasin ( voodoo) and Ragga creole

Date: Nov 9, 2006

Right now would have been the primetime for konpa to cross over> there is so much demand for world music, but it is unfortunately that Haitian music industry is not ready for such leap

Date: Jul 24, 2006

Haitian music will never cross. Musicians and producers don't have the dissipline to make it to the international market.

Date: Apr 25, 2006

keep dreaming guys, but haitian music will never cross over. Haitian musicians and promoters are too greedy and unprofessional to make it in the mainstream

Date: Mar 5, 2006

What's the fixation with crossing Konpa over? Over to where? The mess that we call the american music mainstream?
1- For konpa to crossover we would need to have either a population huge like Latin America or Konpa would have to be a genre that touch people on a deeper level like Reggae does. In that case, Racines has a better chance of crossing over to other countries than Konpa.
2- Any genre that crossover to mainstream America has been stripped of its value and raped. Is that what we want for Konpa?

Date: Jan 14, 2006

EVERSINCE REGGATON HAS MADE IT MAINSTREAM, KOMPA MAKING IT MAINSTREAM HAS BEEN THE POPULAR OF THE TOWN. COME ON LET'S THINK FOR A MUNITE. ONE SHOULD NOT COMPARE KOMPA TO REAGGEATON (IF I SPELL IT RIGHT) BECAUSE IT'S NOT MADE IN A POPULAR LANGUAGE; THE SPANISH COMMUNITY IS VERY LARGE COMMUNITY; SPANISH IS THE SECOND LANGUAGE IN AMERICA. CREOLE IS NOT THAT POPULAR...KOMPA IS NOT EVEN FULLY EMBRACED TO HAITIANS, HOW IS IT GOING TO BECOME MAINSTREAM? AS MUCH AS I LOVE KOMPA, IT'S NOT THE MOST APPEALING FORM OF MUSIC; IT'S TOO TRADITIONAL. ALSO IT'S LACKED OF COMMERCIAL ELEMENTS.... I REALLY THINK THAT CREOLE HIP-HOP HAS A BETTER CHANCE BECAUSE OF THE HIP-HOP ELEMENTS....

I'M SURRY..

KRIK

Date: Jun 16, 2005

KOMPA IS OUR MUSIC BUT WE NEED TO OPEN AVENUES FOR THE MESHING OF OTHER MUSIC. FOR INSTANCE KREOLE HIP HOP IS HERE BUT WHERE IS THE LOVE.IF YOU CHECK ANY OTHER GENRE OF MUSIC WHAT HAS BEEN THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY TO MIX MUSIC. LOOK AT REGGAE,HIPHOP,AND NOW REGGAETON!!!!!DOESNT MAKE ANY SENSE WHY CREOLE SPEAKING COUNTRIES CANT REP AS WELL. WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHUT HIP HOP DOWN FOR WHATEVER REASON, BUT THERE IS NEW CATS OUT NAMED MECCAakaGRIMO THAT IS REPPING HARD. NEED TO START MIXING GENERATIONS YOUNG AND THE OLD THAT IS WHERE THE MONEY IS AT..........

Date: May 29, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Joe D
"Konpa is one of the best music genre in the world, but Haiitans don't know how to promote to it other nations. If you had any decent producers and promoters, we certainly could would made into the American mainstream? Most of so-call Haiitan producers and records label have no clues of what they're doing. Konpa has been around for nearly 45 years now, and we still have not found a way to promote the music yet . It's a shame. Joe"

Date: Oct 6, 2004

...It's not going to happen overnight, but I think one day we will see Haitian Konpa crossing over any cultures, nations, people, etc. But in order for that to happen, we have to make it happen. Many people think that it is not the case yet due to the fact that Haitians don't know how to do it. Well, it's not enough to just acknowledge that they don't know how to do it. We have to propose something. We have to blend our opinions and figure out the best way to go about it. By the way, you and I don't have the least idea of how far Haitian Konpa has already gone. But what we know is that now matter how far it might have gone, it can go farther. We have spent almost twenty decades living individually, now it's time to stop complaining and start contributing to the better of our beautiful nation. We can do it!

Let's have forums for people to give their opinions. That's how we will find out what we are really capable of. We are a great nation. We just lack some fundamental ingredients that lead to advancement. Let's start now.

Date: Sep 25, 2004

Everyone's opinions have some merit but the best way to promote konpa music, is for Haitians abroad to share it with everyone, don't hesitate to play it in front of non creole speakers play it load and play it often!! not being able to understand the words is not a real excuse how many Haitians love spanish music and simply know the words amigo and yo quiero taco bell! we must first learn to embrace our culture ourselves and stop making excuses of all the millions of haitians that live in every crack and crevice of this earth why have all the artist have not sold millions already ?

one love

Date: Aug 16, 2004

We have to be careful with the word crossing over. a lot of artists from Jamaica , trinidad where their music is a lot more accepted in the US. than Haitian music. we need to createinnovative music like Shleu Shleu early Tabou Gypsie etc. promote the music world wide and sooner or later talking creole can become popular. most cross over artists like (Ricky Martin and others had to sing in Englih. it's a heavy price to pay. wear tatoo , carry a pistol at all time.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

I agree with this post but also have to add that the reason reggae ahs been able to cross over even though people don't understand the words is because it usuallu has an upbeat and catchy tune. Mainstream America will embrace music that it can move to at a club and because our beats tend to be a bit slower (a slower version of merengue), it is hard to play it at a club. I've seen all sorts of people dancing to merengue, salsa, or even African beats but again the key is how easy it is to dance to, especially without a partner...

quote:
Originally posted by: J. Javel
"As a young person, I am very aware of the music that is out today. I am a very big fan of not only music, but most especially Caribbean music. I love Konpa, Soca, and Reggae. Some Soca and Reggae sonfs have crossed over, and yet I am waiting for the day that Haitian music will be played on the radio stations. BUt you know what? It won't. The closest we got to our music being played is from the Wyclef's Carnival Album. Many people will not easily brace Haitian music into our culture because, simply they do not understand it. Who wants to hear something they don't understand and can't sing along to??? I am not saying I agree with it because half the time I don't understand what Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Sean Paul is saying, but also....T Vice, Zin, Sweet Mickey.Thank You."

Date: Jul 22, 2004

Kompa crossing over

I was a dj for about 12 years; I played at many clubs in many cities.

This is what I believe,

Haitian music is not just about kompa, we have a variety of other genres playing in our country and you guys choose kompa to be the one to cross over.

Do you guys remember "Kankou Mizik" an annual event sponsoreda the time in part by American Airlines; an event that put forward artist like Beetova, Emeline, Mizik Mizik & Co., and many more who are known now to be successful artist in the HMI? Well that was not just about Kompa. It was rather our music in general making reference to our culture therefore does not only mean kompa.

If Emline Michell can be successful in the type of music she does which makes reference to our culture, kompa does not really have to be the one to cross over. Which applies as well to Boukman Experience?

This is just my opinion and I think that we need to focus more on the bigger picture with respect to our music than to just kompa because of that wehn other people do well we tend not to think of it as a success for our music. But if it were kompa, I gues, that would be a different story.

I am one the people pushing for our music and culture to get some kind recognition in the global market center stage of the music industry, I have to look at things that way so that I don't have to get stuck up with the idea of kompa being our primary music where as Racine can be better appreciated by the world than kompa.

Date: Jun 24, 2004

I would love to see konpa cross over. But do you guys think that the american public is ready for it.

The dancing and language are different.

Date: Jun 18, 2004

I was in Paris from May 28 to June 5, 2004 to assist "Festival Ayiti Cheri" organized by "Caraibes Aller Retour" which is composed of French promoters.

Five bands from Haiti were chosen: Racine Mapou de Azor (racine music,voodoo), Boukman Eksperyans (rock,reggae, hip hop), Ti Coca (troubadour, folklore), Brothers Posse (rock, rap, reggae, rara) and L'Orchestre Septentrional (Konpa,meringues,rythmes de feu).

The concerts in Angouleme (outside of Paris) were outdoors and there were packed with people from all over. I met people from Cuba, China, Korea etc....

The concerts in Paris at Cabaret Sauvage (500 people) were as follows:

June 1, 2004 - Ilan Ilan and Racine Mapou June 2, 2004 - Brothers Posse and Boukman Eksperyans June 3, 2004 - Dance with Ti Coca and L'Orchestre Septentrional

In my opinion the French public's appreciation was for: Boukman Eksperyans and Brothers Posse because the place was packed on June 2 with 95% French/Mix 5% Haitian. Boukman Eksperyans is well known in Europe as a matter of fact they are on tour for 2 months. They even had articles about them in Angouleme. Lolo is the Haitian Bob Marley

On June 3, (350-400 people) 75% French/Mix 25% Haitian. L'Orchestre Septentrional and Ti Coca was more appreciated by the Haitian crowd because Konpa is not crossed over yet.

Even though Tabou Combo and many other bands have performed au Zenith, "KONPA" is still a problem.

Overall the concerts were great and that is a good way to promote our culture internationally.

TCam

Date: May 25, 2004

haitian music is not main stream, therefore it cannot cross over.. no serious promoter and producer.. and the songs are way too long, they never get play tiem on an american radio station...

quote:
Originally posted by: Jonny
"oops, i just realize that i posted this message in the wrong furum.. Why are guys wasting your time talking about this issue. Haitian music will never cross over anywhere. Haitian musicians and producers are not dissipline and organize enough to operate in any other markets but their own .... sad but true"

Date: Apr 15, 2004

oops, i just realize that i posted this message in the wrong furum.. Why are guys wasting your time talking about this issue. Haitian music will never cross over anywhere. Haitian musicians and producers are not dissipline and organize enough to operate in any other markets but their own .... sad but true

Date: Mar 5, 2004

I know this may not be the best tiem right now to talk about music, but it seems to that Haitian music has been plagued by the same factors that are destroying Haiti: corruption, ignorance, and darkness. Konpa music may never cross over outside the Haitian circle.

Date: Dec 9, 2003

Konpa music can cross over only Haitian artist are dissipline enough to appeal to mainstream American and International market. As we all know the majority of Haitian artists, promoters, producers, and label are not willing to sacrifice their personal gain for the betterment of Haitian music. Most of all some of no clue about marketting the music to a broader audience and above all you have to spend alots of money to promote the music which most of these guys don't have.

Date: Dec 7, 2003

How much debating are we going to have over this crossing over thing? if there is anyone out there who is ready to shop and sell this music let's talk brign your idea to the table righ here on this site, you guys who manage this site, should start doing something about it, I am sure you guys are involve somehow in the music business. let's do this people, let's combine our ideas and strenght together and make this work, it can and it will, if we do not get involve in this right now when our music is been copied by everyone else around the world, it will not get done at any other time.

Date: Dec 7, 2003

I really appreaciate all your guys point regarding konpa crossing over; yes it is a great dream to ear konpa music

all over or on any radio stations; but gess what; what do we have to offer; the style and lyrics and the beat except

for one band Tabou Combo with some adjustment can lead us to that path. Once again Tabou Combo is internationally known.

rgrds

Date: Dec 5, 2003

Ok
first let's analize how we can take the music to the another level. first we need help from someone who is popular enough and who is willing to take that chance. Now let's not ignore the move that Wyclef just made. he has one song on his new cd; which doing good enough to go platinum soon; call Party by the sea. nice track feat. Buju and T-vice and himself of course, now this track is not what we have been hoping fo rto go to the next level but let's face it. it's a start, now how do we convience the next artist on the american market to take something better, no digital, none of that 2 or 4 man bands.(no disrespect to you T-vice, i have mad respect for you guys).