The candidature of the Compass of Haiti has been officially submitted for inclusion on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of Humanity.
The permanent delegation of Haiti to UNESCO announced through a press release dated March 26, 2024 that the Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Haiti to UNESCO, Madame Dominique DUPUYofficially submitted the candidacy of Konpa/Compass of Haiti to be included on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of Humanity.
In this press release, of which Juno7 received a copy, it is emphasized that Compas is a form of music and dance which represents a major element of Haitian intangible cultural heritage. “In all its variants – Compas Direct, Hounsi, Boule de feu, Moléasse, Cadence Rampas, Makyavèl Karamèl, Digital, Stéréo, Manba, Malouk, Kèkal, Timtim, Funk, Love, etc. –, it offers a space of recognition and celebration for Haitians, both inside and outside the country” we read in the press release.
However, it is still specified according to the press release that the Compas had been registered in the National Register of Haitian Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, while emphasizing that the Compas is the third submission of the country to this list since the ratification of the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, after Soup joumou/Giraumon soup and Kasav/Cassave.
Regarding the Permanent Delegate, Dominique DUPUY, it is mentioned that she is delighted with the massive support for this candidacy, the very large number of letters of consent received and the long-term efforts made over several months within a “Konpa/UNESCO” consultation group, bringing together the Compas community and numerous cultural associations, first and foremost the Association for Haitian Music and Dance (AMDH).
Furthermore, the Permanent Delegation of Haiti to UNESCO expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Communication, in particular Mr. Andy Durosier, for coordinating the production of the video and photos, as well as members of the Haitian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, researchers from the State University of Haiti and the heritage expert, Mr. Ricarson Dorcé, who ensured the aspect scientist of the file.
Let us recall that it was on July 26, 1955 that Haitian music experienced a major change, at the initiative of Jean-Baptiste Nemours, boss of an orchestra traveling the country to liven up the patronal festivals. He asks his musicians to slow down and adapt the meringue that is all the rage on the other part of the island, today called the Dominican Republic.
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