Kompa is a musical genre as well as a dance that originated in Haïti. The name is derived from compas, the Spanish word meaning rhythm or tone. Sung in Haïtian Creole/Patois, Kompa is a uniquely Haïtian musical form, however it does closely share musical attributes in common with it's neighbors; Dominican Merengue, Cuban Son, Puerto Rican Bomba, and West African/Caribbean Highlife/Calypso. Typically Kompa can be recognized by it's fast paced rhythm driven by a trap set (heavy use of symbols and snares), congas, tambourine and guiro.
The music is commonly arranged around a verse and chorus pattern which alternates between major and minor keys for each section. Swift staccato or arpeggiated double guitar backing is another trademark of the genre with the solo instrument of choice being some sort of single reeded soundsource; usually saxophone, harmonica, accordion/concertina or electronically synthesized versions fo these instruments. Big up Haiti!
1. Coupé Cloué - Gros Bambou
2. Les Shleu-Shleu - Aïe Tiou Aïe
3. Les Difficiles De Petion-Ville - Téléphone
4. Tabou Combo - Ney York City Pt. 1 & 2
5. Les Difficiles De Petion-Ville - Ce La Vie
6. L'Ensemble Nemours Jean-Baptiste - Robe Entraveaprann rinmin
7. Les Difficiles De Petion-Ville - Mesdame Yo
8. Les Shleu-Shleu - Tambour Shleu-Shleu Frapé
9. DBS Presents Cadence Gold - Unknown Groove
10. Coupé Cloué - Net Alcole
11. L'ensemble Nemours Jean-Baptiste - La Discipline
12. Les Shleu-Shleu - Douceur De La Vie
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Wow! That's really all I can say. This site just gets better and better. You are truly an ambassador of music. A million thanks!
I was wondering if you'd find another pot of gold, and once again you've succeeded. This is wonderful music, often ignored due to prejudice but true world treasure. I hope this is the first in a series from Haiti. Viva Nemours!!
From the DJ - There are only so many ignored genres of music that can appeal to a wider audience. This happens to be one of them. I have many other pots of gold but there is less of a consensus about how many karats...so I keep them to myself. The Signature Series is an attempt to share the widest spectrum of gems with connections from all the worlds treasure troves. I wish I could make a second issue in the Sig Series sooner but they are painstakingly made and hence, take a long time to compile.
This is realy a passport thru african music!!
thank´s a lot.
I've loved just about every single one of your podcasts, but this is probably the best one yet. Absolutely amazing!
Keep up the great work, and thanks for putting the podcasts together.
gracias kalil por la fiesta! y por la historia que respiran tus sonidos! y por la disciplina del que organiza y comparte!
les difficiles de petion ville... sublime
gracias kalil por la fiesta! y por la historia que respiran tus sonidos! y por la disciplina del que organiza y comparte!
les difficiles de petion ville... sublime
Mon frere, you forgot "3 forces" by Shleu-Shleu!
Thank you so much for this. I had never heard of Kompa until this. Now I'm a big fan and have bought quite a few tracks and am eagerly looking for more. I can't wait for volume 2.
Thank you so much for this. I had never heard of Kompa until this. Now I'm a big fan and have bought quite a few tracks and am eagerly looking for more. I can't wait for volume 2.
Goodness gracious this was good.
27 days ago, Squeeezyboy wrote:
> Thank you so much for this. I had never heard of Kompa until this. Now I'm a big fan and have bought quite a few tracks and am eagerly looking for more. I can't wait for volume 2.
My top recommendation is to search the web for the Sterns music website. Buy all the Haitian music releases on the Earthworks label; all are fantastic. Also try to find CDs from Les Freres Dejean, one of the greatest unknown bands of all time, particularly their 70s/80s releases.