The Cercle Bellevue in Bourdon was abuzz with excitement as producers, artists, and music lovers from around the world gathered for the 5th edition of Musique en Folie. Organized by the daily newspaper Le Nouvelliste in partnership with UNIBANK and RUM BARBANCOURT, this cultural event has become a staple in Haiti’s entertainment calendar. Despite the political unrest in the country, the event provided a much-needed respite and a platform for the community to celebrate music and culture.
This year’s edition saw several innovations aimed at enhancing the experience for attendees. One notable change was the organizers’ effort to streamline access for the thousands who visited the Cercle Bellevue on November 13 and 14. The atmosphere was electric, as attendees enjoyed purchasing CDs and engaging in various socio-cultural activities.
Under the auspices of TICKET MAGAZINE and local TV channel TELEMAX, dozens of talented young artists performed live, captivating a diverse audience. The TICKET MAX ACADEMIE contest featured impressive renditions of national and international hits, such as Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye,” leaving the crowd exhilarated.
The event also served as a platform for Haitian stars to deliver messages of peace and national reconciliation. Artists like Stanley Toussaint (Tantan) of LAKOL, Jacques Sauveur Jean (Jackito), Gracia Delva of MASS KONPA, Carl Frédéric Berhmann of DEGA, and Joe Zenny of KONPA KREYOL all expressed their hopes for a united and peaceful Haiti. Toussaint, referencing the recent U.S. presidential election, urged Haitian leaders to prioritize the country’s interests, much like the American electorate did.
For many music enthusiasts, Musique en Folie was a highlight of the year. An impressive 95% of attendees interviewed expressed complete satisfaction, noting that this year’s edition was an unprecedented success. The event attracted a record crowd, eager to obtain autographs from their favorite stars, including Jude Jean of K-DANS, Auguste Duverger (Pouchon) of DJAKOUT MIZIK, Michaël Benjamin, Evens Jean, Gracia Delva, and Joe Zenny. The demand for autographs was so high that artists found themselves caught in the enthusiastic throng, with Pouchon even being lifted off the ground by the crowd.
Max Chauvet, owner of Le Nouvelliste, emphasized the importance of Musique en Folie in promoting Haitian music. Jackson Joseph, a cultural presenter at Radio Plus, echoed this sentiment, describing the event as one of the best cultural initiatives in Haiti. He highlighted Radio Plus’s decision to broadcast the event live as part of a broader campaign to promote Haitian music.
In addition to Musique en Folie, Le Nouvelliste and UNIBANK also organize an annual Book Fair, known as “Livres en Folie,” now in its 10th edition. Plans for next year’s 11th edition are already underway, with promises of further innovations.
As Musique en Folie concluded, it left a lasting impression on all who attended. The event not only celebrated Haitian music and culture but also brought together a community in a time of need. With the presence of the Red Cross and security forces ensuring safety, Musique en Folie proved to be a beacon of hope and unity in a turbulent time. ~Cheyna Pierre
