New York City designates July 26 as Haitian Konpa Day

The New York City Council has approved a resolution establishing July 26 as Haitian Konpa Day, an annual celebration of Haiti’s signature music and dance tradition and its influence across the city.

On Dec. 4, the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, chaired by Council Member Erik Bottcher, advanced Resolution 987-2025.  Council Member Rita Joseph sponsored the measure, which recognizes the enduring role of konpa in Haitian culture and its prominence within New York’s Haitian communities.

“Haitian culture has long been part of the rich and diverse fabric of our great city. Our food, dance, and music have helped make New York City what it is today,” said Joseph.

“Haitian contributions are everywhere, and I am delighted that we are formally recognizing and celebrating Haitian Konpa music today.”

Haitians around the world embrace konpa—sometimes spelled compas, kompas or kompa—as one of the country’s most beloved and commercially successful genres. Created in 1955 by Nemours Jean-Baptiste, konpa dirèk blended slowed-down merengue, American big band influences and rasin rhythms. Jean-Baptiste’s first konpa concert took place that July at Place Sainte-Anne in Port-au-Prince.

Webert Sicot, an early collaborator of Jean-Baptiste, later developed “cadence rampas,” a faster style that sparked a friendly rivalry between the two musicians. As the genre grew, bands adapted large-orchestra formats to fit nightclub stages, helping konpa reach broader audiences.

“I think it’s important to recognize konpa as its own genre of music. There are elements that make it distinct from other genres,” said Tadia Toussaint, a recording artist and brand strategist for Afro Caribbean artists.

Over the decades, konpa has expanded far beyond Haiti. Social media has amplified its reach, powering viral dances and performances by soloists, DJs and influencers. Groups such as Carimi, Kreyòl La, Zenglen, Klass, Harmonik, Enposib and Zafèm have built international followings. Solo artists such as Rutshelle Guillaume and Joé Dwèt Filé have drawn global attention, while DJs like Michael Brun and Tony Mix have blended konpa into innovative cross-genre mixes. 

Konpa’s global rise also aligns with a recent milestone: the genre received a favorable opinion from UNESCO’s technical committee, placing it on track for inclusion on the organization’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. 

Advocates say the recognition would help preserve and promote the music and dance tradition worldwide, reinforcing its status as a core expression of Haitian identity and cultural pride. Supporters of the effort note that the designation would elevate konpa alongside other recognized Haitian cultural treasures, expanding visibility for artists, dancers and educators who have long worked to share the genre globally.

“A lot of Francophone artists are making konpa and they have no ties to Haiti,” Toussaint said. 

“It’s important that the ownership and the affiliation to [Haiti] happens. The timing is right, being that our industry is continuing to expand and the quality and standard of music at konpa presenting events has elevated.”

“Recognizing the pioneers of it like Nemours Jean-Baptiste, and all of the people who have contributed to it, having that day really is going to create a space where folks can talk about it, share information about it and push the sonic internationally,” Toussaint continued.

With the new designation, New York City joins Haitians worldwide in honoring the genre each year on July 26. Supporters say the day will offer a moment for the Haitian diaspora to gather in celebration of the music that has shaped generations and remains central to Haiti’s cultural identity.

“Despite the negative narratives that have come from the highest office in the land,” Joseph said, “we will never forget our resilience and our strength to stand up for justice and our rights.”

Video: https://ich.unesco.org/en/video/76354
Nomination: The Compas of Haiti (Haiti)

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