Our latest specialist mix is a dispatch from Haiti. It comes courtesy of multi-generational ensemble Lakou Mizik and NERO’s Joseph Ray, who’ve also teamed up on a collaborative album entitled Leave the Bones, which is slated for release on 6 August. Across the hour-long mix (which they’ve dubbed ‘Tanbou Libète’, or ‘Drums of Freedom’) the nine-piece band and Grammy-winning UK producer pay homage to the revolutionary spirit of Haitian roots music, otherwise known as mizik rasin. They also showcase a fusion of traditional and contemporary Haitian styles such as vodou and konpa.
“The chants and drumming of vodou sacred music have always been used as battle cries for independence, urging Haitians to fight for their rights,” says Lakou Mizik over email. “From Dutty Boukman’s prayer (which launched the Haitian Revolution itself) to today’s street protestors who stand up against corruption and violence, music and drums have always given the people strength and asserted Haitian pride and identity.”
Haitian roots music – By Lakou Mizik and Joseph Ray
Haitian roots music – By Lakou Mizik and Joseph Ray
Our latest specialist mix is a dispatch from Haiti. It comes courtesy of multi-generational ensemble Lakou Mizik and NERO’s Joseph Ray, who’ve also teamed up on a collaborative album entitled Leave the Bones, which is slated for release on 6 August. Across the hour-long mix (which they’ve dubbed ‘Tanbou Libète’, or ‘Drums of Freedom’) the nine-piece band and Grammy-winning UK producer pay homage to the revolutionary spirit of Haitian roots music, otherwise known as mizik rasin. They also showcase a fusion of traditional and contemporary Haitian styles such as vodou and konpa.
“The chants and drumming of vodou sacred music have always been used as battle cries for independence, urging Haitians to fight for their rights,” says Lakou Mizik over email. “From Dutty Boukman’s prayer (which launched the Haitian Revolution itself) to today’s street protestors who stand up against corruption and violence, music and drums have always given the people strength and asserted Haitian pride and identity.”
