Haitian Music

Haitian singer-songwriter Beethova Obas visited campus on December 4, 2019 to play for the Duke community. Beethova’s songs reflect various problems Haiti has been facing for a long time as well as many countries around the world. According to Beethova, his style (CUBHABRA) is a fusion of Cuban and Haitian rhythms spiced with some Brazilian jazz notes. Jacques Pierre, co-director of Haiti Lab, seized the opportunity to host Beethova Obas. Pierre's efforts to bring Haitian culture to North Carolina, especially to Duke University has been felt through his language and culture courses, Haitian film series, special lectures on Haiti, International Creole Day Celebration, and wonderful concerts by Haitian artists. Duke University has formally offered Kreyòl classes since 2010 under Pierre's leadership. Amongst the many Haitian artists’ songs studied in Kreyòl classes, Beethova’s songs are fondly appreciated and cherished by the students for his voice, his style, and the substance of his songs. The lyrics of the concert were transcribed by Jacques Pierre (@PJacquespie). Thank you to Beethova for his willingness to clarify some of the lyrics when they were inaudible. For example, “alanguette”, is the name of an imaginary hill created by the singer.