Haitian music is an integral part of Haitian culture and identity, with a rich history and diverse genres. However, Haitian artists face a constant struggle for survival and recognition due to widespread poverty and economic difficulties. Lack of funding, limited resources, and scarce opportunities force artists to rely on their own money to finance projects, making it difficult or impossible for those already living in poverty.
The incident at the Haitian international airport, involving Robert M. Eugene also known as Shoubou, lead singer of Tabou Combo, highlights the struggles of Haitian artists. During a visit to Haiti, he was impressed by the performance of young Haitian artists at the airport. He was so happy with their talent that he decided to collect money for them on the spot, demonstrating his support for the next generation of Haitian musicians. While Shoubou was collecting the money, everyone at the airport was happy and singing along, showing their appreciation for his generosity. However, Shoubou’s action was later criticized by Pastor Gregory Toussaint, who claimed Shoubou had failed in life. This statement is false and unfair, as Shoubou is an accomplished artist dedicated to Haitian music.
Sadly, some people in Haitian society have a tendency to expect HMI artists to die in poverty, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and neglect. Haitian evangelical artists face even more severe problems, working for free without compensation, making them vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. Some pastors make them believe that they are working for God and their reward is in heaven, neglecting the need for musicians to nurture their physical bodies by putting food on the table for their families.
The compas side of the HMI faces significant challenges, notably with maestros who fail to fairly compensate artists for their performances. These maestros, or “Mét Djazz,” must acknowledge the importance of respecting and properly compensating their fellow team members, as happy employees are more productive and fair compensation is crucial for motivating artists to create high-quality music that sustains the HMI. Many musicians invest heavily in instrument purchases, rehearsal space rentals, and equipment maintenance, contributing significantly to the HMI’s success, and thus deserve fair compensation for their efforts.
However, it’s disheartening to see maestros flaunting their wealth while other artists struggle to afford basic necessities like a decent car or home. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for change in the HMI to ensure fair treatment and compensation for all artists. Furthermore, the Haitian government collects taxes from performance events without creating a pension fund for artists or groups, leaving them without financial security in their retirement years.
Formalizing Haiti’s Music Industry: A Path to Prosperity and Protection
To address these issues, we must formalize the Haitian Music Industry (HMI) through a structured framework. First, we need to establish a legal foundation by creating a law that governs the HMI. This law should require both music groups and individual musicians to register, providing a clear database of industry stakeholders. Next, we should introduce a payment system that ensures fair compensation for artists. This can be achieved through paying an insurance fee, imposing a performance fee for each event, and requiring producers to pay a fee for each event. Moreover, formalizing the HMI can help create a pension fund for artists and groups who contribute and participate in the industry. This fund can provide financial security for artists in their retirement years, ensuring that they can enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Additionally, formalization can also enable the establishment of comprehensive health insurance programs, providing artists with access to quality medical care and protecting them from financial ruin due to medical expenses. In fact, formalizing the HMI can also help conserve souvenirs of performances from great renowned artists. For instance, imagine the value of conserving the original saxophone of Nemour Jean-Baptiste or the microphone of Emmanuel Jean-Baptiste also known as Ti Manno. These artifacts can become priceless treasures, not only for their monetary value but also for their cultural significance. By formalizing the HMI, we can quickly make arrangements to conserve the chair from the last performance of Shoubou, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
To oversee the industry’s development, we should create a Board of Trustees comprising lawyers and business experts. By formalizing the HMI, we can protect artists’ copyrights, promote transparent business practices, provide a safety net for artists, unlock new revenue streams, and elevate Haiti’s music scene globally. Furthermore, building performance venues and cultural centers in Haiti and states with large Haitian populations, such as Miami, New York City, Boston, and Montreal, can help promote Haitian music, culture, and arts. These centers can serve as hubs for music education, cultural exchange, community engagement, artist development, and cultural preservation.
In conclusion, formalizing the Haitian Music Industry is crucial for ensuring fair compensation, copyright protection, and financial security for artists. By establishing a structured framework, we can promote transparency, accountability, and prosperity in the industry, and empower Haitian artists to reach their full potential. The time to act is now, as the future of Haitian music hangs in the balance. Let us work together to create a thriving music industry that showcases Haitian talent, preserves cultural heritage, and empowers artists to reach their full potential. Contact your representatives today and express your support for the formalization of the Haitian Music Industry.
Samuel Georges
