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Compas

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Revision as of 18:29, 19 October 2026 by Edb (talk | contribs) (Expand the comprehensive music catalogue with reviewed distinct performances; prioritize recent discovery, retain good older music and preserve existing prose, recordings and fields.)
Category: Genre

Summary

Compas, also written konpa or kompa, is a Haitian popular music-and-couple-dance tradition whose flowing groove gives space to melodic singing, instrumental conversation and sustained partnered movement. Guitar, bass, percussion and keyboards are prominent in many groups, with horns and other colors varying by period and band. Its identity lies in the whole ensemble feel rather than one interchangeable percussion loop. Compas is a major Haitian cultural reference at home and in the diaspora, with substantial adoption beyond Haitian communities. [1]

Contemporary and trending

The music continues through bands, recordings, family celebrations, dance events and transnational Haitian networks. Live nightlife conditions can change sharply with local circumstances, so continuing listening should not be equated with an unchanged venue economy. Older groups and newer productions coexist in repertory and memory. Diaspora musicians and audiences actively create the field rather than simply preserve an original from a distance. The genre's social function can be intimate, festive or reflective, and the polished surface of a recording does not remove its community associations.

History

Nemours Jean-Baptiste and the development of compas direct in the mid-twentieth century are central to its standard history. Haitian dance-band practice interacted with regional Caribbean forms, then developed distinctive ensemble approaches and band identities. Smaller electric-band formats and later studio technologies changed the sound without severing continuity. Migration connected Haiti with New York, South Florida, Montreal, Paris and other circuits. Musicians and records also influenced neighboring French-Creole popular music, making compas part of a wider Caribbean exchange rather than a culturally sealed national category. [2]

Musical characteristics

Listen for a supple repeated rhythmic foundation, guitar patterns that interlock with bass and percussion, and a voice that can move smoothly across the groove. Extended instrumental passages let a band develop atmosphere without constantly changing the song's basic harmonic cycle. Keyboard textures and guitar timbres can identify a period or ensemble as strongly as the beat. The dance often values connection and controlled movement rather than large spectacular steps. A seemingly relaxed surface depends on precise coordination among parts that occupy different rhythmic spaces.

Geography and communities

The map gives Haiti a broad connected musical heartland, including regional towns and countryside rather than just Port-au-Prince. New York and South Florida are substantial detached diaspora landscapes; Montreal and the Paris region are additional sustained community circuits. A French-Antillean field represents regional adoption and exchange at lower strength. These circles describe music-making, listening and social dancing, not a census of Haitian residents. Shared history with other Creole band genres does not mean that all those audiences should be painted with identical intensity.

Artists

Nemours Jean-Baptiste, Tabou Combo, Shleu-Shleu, Coupé Cloué, Tropicana d'Haïti and later groups such as Carimi offer different approaches to band texture, vocal personality and arrangement. Their histories are not interchangeable, and an introductory list cannot encompass the full field. Compare how a guitar-led passage and a keyboard-heavy production sustain the same sense of forward flow. UNESCO's description emphasizes family and professional transmission as well as dance, reminding listeners that a band recording sits within a larger social practice. [1]

Representative performances

These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.

MuGlobe listening profile
Repertoire Field use Notes
popular regional Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.
MuGlobe representative performances
Artist Performance / song / title Embedded player URL Notes Repertoire kind Repertoire date Recording date Format Opening Places Fit Evidence Review note
Tabou Combo Feel Good — live https://www.youtube.com/embed/4D_BPlZ3swo The band's own channel presents a live compas performance. It supplies a direct ensemble example alongside the official group's account of the music's journey from Haitian dance venues to international stages.[3] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Carimi Ayiti (Bang Bang) https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjhlgdfhfWk Tropic Music's release of Carimi's song adds a later-generation Haitian compas band to the playlist. The polished studio arrangement complements the existing Tabou Combo concert performance.[4] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Klass Klass Live @ Hollywood Live Oct 2026--Pou yon moun m ap mande https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_pZjNrJJGc Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-10-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[5] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik “Chéri Benyenm” #Harmonik Live Performance nan #hollywood live 10/10/26 https://www.youtube.com/embed/efndN47yhHg Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: TRIBINALKONPA🥁⚖️🎻🎼. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-10-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[6] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: TRIBINALKONPA🥁⚖️🎻🎼. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Klass Klass Live @Kasa Champet Oct 2026 ---- Emmene Moi https://www.youtube.com/embed/PsE9Z8_My08 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-10-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[7] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik HARMONIK-Incroyable Live (Leogane 2026) https://www.youtube.com/embed/xCcKbtf0sSw Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-09-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[8] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï / Richard Cavé Richard Cave & Kai - Se Ou l Ye Live in Amazura | Labor Day 2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/NFjTsgS1s-8 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Konpaevents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-09-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[9] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Konpaevents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï / Richard Cavé Richard Cave & Kai - Jije'M Live in Amazura | Labor Day 2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/l6CcRYkEYZI Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Konpaevents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-09-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[10] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Konpaevents. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Master Brain featuring Kenny Haiti MASTER BRAIN feat. KENNY HAITI • Bèl Chèf (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/ty63HR-Z5E8 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Master Brain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-07-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[11] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Master Brain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Zafèm / Dener Céide and Réginald Cangé ZAFEM - Lalin Ak Soley Live, Boston July 2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/OpL4cRaoifc Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: NICE IMAGE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-07-17; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[12] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: NICE IMAGE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik Harmonik – Fracas (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9h66T7S-Us Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-05-29; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[13] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik HARMONIK- RET TANN MWEN LIVE 2026 (Guyane Francaise) https://www.youtube.com/embed/6qvWGAsrYi4 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-04-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[14] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Rutshelle Guillaume and Richard Cavé Rutshelle Guillaume X Richard Cavé Tolere w LIVE IN NEW JERSEY March 14th 2026 1 https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqzkVqFpiTw Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-03-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[15] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Zafèm / Dener Céide and Réginald Cangé ZAFEM GUYANE : NAP BWE https://www.youtube.com/embed/qZYMNZReKY4 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: TANBOU MÉDIA . Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-02-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[16] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: TANBOU MÉDIA . Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Klass Klass Live 9 Janv 2026--- Malere Milyone https://www.youtube.com/embed/4qDbkFaWRAE Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[17] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Klass Klass Live 9 Janv 2026 @ Club Ivy ---- P P P W Pa Gin Plenyin https://www.youtube.com/embed/W0pN4WkgvmA Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[18] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Klass Klass Live 9 Jan 2026 Club Ivy -- ----Quesque La Vie https://www.youtube.com/embed/n4HLk0lxKAw Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[19] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Regimix Day. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï featuring Teddy Hashtag SE OU'L YE / KAI FT TEDDY HASHTAG https://www.youtube.com/embed/-31LtLEaJC0 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-12-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[20] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
T-Vice and Fatima T-Vice x Fatima – “AN SOLO” (Official Music Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/21AeKLGeax0 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: T-Vice. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-12-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[21] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: T-Vice. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Zafèm / Dener Céide and Réginald Cangé ZAFEM - Prie, Hommage a Dadou Pasquet https://www.youtube.com/embed/ystOuo61M0Q Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: NICE IMAGE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-12-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[22] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: NICE IMAGE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï featuring Oswald KAI F@#K UP feat Oswald https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJnxrsnztpQ Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-11-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[23] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Richard Cavé and Tklod BLOKE (FEAT TKLOD & RICHARD CAVE) https://www.youtube.com/embed/4PXcwj948TY Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-11-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[24] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kenny Haiti featuring Richard Cavé Kenny Haiti Feat Richard Cavé Pi Bon Chwa Official Video https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wzqkqz6ibVM Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-07-23; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[25] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: RICHARD CAVE /KAI. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Nu Look / Arly Larivière Nu Look | Ma moitie Live HFC 2025 https://www.youtube.com/embed/hij3L9Hyijw Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Didiparadi Randevou-A. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-06-25; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[26] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Didiparadi Randevou-A. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik HARMONIK-RET TAN N MWEN (Official Music Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBq36Jd2ju0 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-05-02; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[27] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik Harmonik - Angoisses (Official Music Video) https://www.youtube.com/embed/calw9__317I Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-02-15; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[28] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik Harmonik • Tonight (Official Audio) https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEu1Ncz2VoA Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-02-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[29] popular unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik featuring Kenny Haiti Harmonik • Banm tout Afè'm (feat Kenny Haiti, Official Audio) https://www.youtube.com/embed/q8NhLhq55z4 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-02-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[30] popular unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï / Richard Cavé KAI (Richard Cave) - CRIMINEL ALL WHITE GOUYAD FEST Rooftop Day Party AT Hard Rock Hotel https://www.youtube.com/embed/MG5OGbpt4Cw Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: DJ PAZ TOUCHEDOUCE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2024-09-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[31] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: DJ PAZ TOUCHEDOUCE. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Zafèm / Dener Céide and Réginald Cangé ZAFÈM N'AP BWÈ - LALIN AK SOLÈY LIVE LA NUIT DES JEUNES 2024 @ AMAZURA NEW YORK https://www.youtube.com/embed/B4aai0t17WU Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Top Konpa. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2024-04-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[32] popular unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Top Konpa. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Nu Look / Arly Larivière NU LOOK - Ma moitié - VISUALIZER https://www.youtube.com/embed/VvlkjzXs6xs Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2023-12-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[33] popular unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Nu Look / Arly Larivière NU LOOK - My Feelings - VISUALIZER https://www.youtube.com/embed/-5M1gjmZS18 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2023-12-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[34] popular unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Nu Look / Arly Larivière NU LOOK - Je te veux - VISUALIZER https://www.youtube.com/embed/mFrZYAgeI2s Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2023-12-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[35] popular unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Arly Lariviere Nulook. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik and Jessie Woo Harmonik X Jessie Woo- PAP KA SEPARE OFFICIAL VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/KZFijrG5sEI Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2021-10-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[36] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï featuring Bedjine KAI (Richard Cavé) featuring BEDJINE - "Koupab" official VIDEO! https://www.youtube.com/embed/r20ZRPw7MPQ Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: kompagrooves. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2021-07-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[37] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: kompagrooves. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik EGZISTE - HARMONIK (OFFICIAL VIDEO) https://www.youtube.com/embed/r998Ku9tPMo Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2019-07-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[38] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Kaï / Richard Cavé KAI (Richard Cave) - CRIMINEL official video! https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMZOC5bsJ3o Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: kompagrooves. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2019-05-23; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[39] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: kompagrooves. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Harmonik Cheri Benyen'm Harmonik https://www.youtube.com/embed/DtpCGstuXs0 Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2018-02-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[40] popular unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Compas work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harmonik. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.

Related genres

Cadence-lypso and Zouk developed through related Caribbean band exchanges while establishing their own identities. Merengue is a relevant historical neighbor, but compas is not merely Haitian merengue under another name. Rara / gagá belongs to a different processional and often religious setting within Haitian and Hispaniolan life. The word kompa is sometimes used broadly in dance marketing; a useful article distinguishes that flexible public use from the particular Haitian ensemble and repertory history described here.

References and further reading

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Compas of Haiti — UNESCO.
  2. ↑ Le Compas d'Haïti — UNESCO ICH.
  3. ↑ Tabou Combo — Feel Good — live. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18. Context: supporting source.
  4. ↑ Carimi — Ayiti (Bang Bang). YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  5. ↑ Klass Live @ Hollywood Live Oct 2026--Pou yon moun m ap mande.
  6. ↑ “Chéri Benyenm” #Harmonik Live Performance nan #hollywood live 10/10/26.
  7. ↑ Klass Live @Kasa Champet Oct 2026 ---- Emmene Moi.
  8. ↑ HARMONIK-Incroyable Live (Leogane 2026).
  9. ↑ Richard Cave & Kai - Se Ou l Ye Live in Amazura | Labor Day 2026.
  10. ↑ Richard Cave & Kai - Jije'M Live in Amazura | Labor Day 2026.
  11. ↑ MASTER BRAIN feat. KENNY HAITI • Bèl Chèf (Official Video).
  12. ↑ ZAFEM - Lalin Ak Soley Live, Boston July 2026.
  13. ↑ Harmonik – Fracas (Official Video).
  14. ↑ HARMONIK- RET TANN MWEN LIVE 2026 (Guyane Francaise).
  15. ↑ Rutshelle Guillaume X Richard Cavé Tolere w LIVE IN NEW JERSEY March 14th 2026 1.
  16. ↑ ZAFEM GUYANE : NAP BWE.
  17. ↑ Klass Live 9 Janv 2026--- Malere Milyone.
  18. ↑ Klass Live 9 Janv 2026 @ Club Ivy ---- P P P W Pa Gin Plenyin.
  19. ↑ Klass Live 9 Jan 2026 Club Ivy -- ----Quesque La Vie.
  20. ↑ SE OU'L YE / KAI FT TEDDY HASHTAG.
  21. ↑ T-Vice x Fatima – “AN SOLO” (Official Music Video).
  22. ↑ ZAFEM - Prie, Hommage a Dadou Pasquet.
  23. ↑ KAI F@#K UP feat Oswald.
  24. ↑ BLOKE (FEAT TKLOD & RICHARD CAVE).
  25. ↑ Kenny Haiti Feat Richard Cavé Pi Bon Chwa Official Video.
  26. ↑ Nu Look | Ma moitie Live HFC 2025.
  27. ↑ HARMONIK-RET TAN N MWEN (Official Music Video).
  28. ↑ Harmonik - Angoisses (Official Music Video).
  29. ↑ Harmonik • Tonight (Official Audio).
  30. ↑ Harmonik • Banm tout Afè'm (feat Kenny Haiti, Official Audio).
  31. ↑ KAI (Richard Cave) - CRIMINEL ALL WHITE GOUYAD FEST Rooftop Day Party AT Hard Rock Hotel.
  32. ↑ ZAFÈM N'AP BWÈ - LALIN AK SOLÈY LIVE LA NUIT DES JEUNES 2024 @ AMAZURA NEW YORK.
  33. ↑ NU LOOK - Ma moitié - VISUALIZER.
  34. ↑ NU LOOK - My Feelings - VISUALIZER.
  35. ↑ NU LOOK - Je te veux - VISUALIZER.
  36. ↑ Harmonik X Jessie Woo- PAP KA SEPARE OFFICIAL VIDEO.
  37. ↑ KAI (Richard Cavé) featuring BEDJINE - "Koupab" official VIDEO!.
  38. ↑ EGZISTE - HARMONIK (OFFICIAL VIDEO).
  39. ↑ KAI (Richard Cave) - CRIMINEL official video!.
  40. ↑ Cheri Benyen'm Harmonik.

Hotspot mushrooms

Compas is a Haitian national rural–urban continuum with several substantial detached diaspora landscapes and a lighter French-Antillean adopted circuit. Broad fields follow families, bands and dance networks beyond studios.

These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms
ID Location Latitude Longitude Radius (km) Strength Notes
compas-haiti Haitian compas song and social-dance landscape 19 -72.5 350 1 Includes regional towns, countryside and national repertory circulation.
compas-south-florida South Florida Haitian compas landscape 26 -80.3 260 0.9 Detached musician, family and dance network.
compas-northeast-us Northeastern US Haitian compas circuit 41 -73.7 420 0.8 Connects New York and neighboring migrant communities.
compas-montreal Greater Montreal Haitian compas community 45.55 -73.6 230 0.65 Distinct durable diaspora landscape.
compas-paris-region Paris-region Haitian and Creole compas circuit 48.85 2.35 230 0.65 Detached transnational performance and listening network.
compas-french-antilles French-Antillean adopted compas circuit 15.2 -61.2 300 0.5 Lighter regional adoption distinct from zouk and cadence-lypso.
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