Reply #74: Found something interesting. A Haitian-Cuban singing group [View All]

AS it appears you know, there has been another wave of Haitian immigrants going to Cuba for haven recently. Here's a brief look at Haitians in Cuba:

Cuba's "Haitianos"
Between 1795 and 1805 30,000 Haitians emigrated to eastern Cuba. Two more waves followed, 1920-1940 and the 1980's. Today, estimates of the Haitian population in Cuba range from 300,000 to 1 million. Each wave of emigrants had its own distinct characteristics and brought with them their strong music and dance traditions, religion and cultural habits on their journey from Haiti to Cuba.

Grupo Vocal Desandann
Grupo Vocal Desandann is an extraordinary Cuban vocal group of Haitian descent. The ensemble is composed mainly of second and third generation Haitians who were born and raised in Cuba, particularly in Camaguey. They preserve the rich cultural patrimony of their parents' and grandparents' birthplace through music. These artists execute with brilliance the most beautiful folkloric and popular songs of Haiti's yesteryears: the Haiti when Lumane Casimir, Haiti's most celebrated diva in the 1940s, was singing about the beauty of her country and who charmed the tourists with her sensational and magnificent voice. It was the Haiti when love was king.

Grupo Vocal Desandann, with it's unique Creole expression, is a revelation to its listeners. This Haitiano-Cuban musical group possesses a rich and varied repertoire. The nostalgic force of their music has caused some to shed tears. Listening to songs such as Gued» Nib¤, Haiti Ch»rie and Choucoune can give anyone Goosebumps. When they sing Lawouze or FÀy, which features a gay and explosive rustic rhythm called rabŽday, even the most timid people will jump to their feet.
(snip/...)

http://www.bembe.com/desandann/

I saw this group mentioned on a message board:

Serge Bellegarde - Chronique Musicale

Descendants

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of participating in a small discussion preceding a concert by a group called D E S A N D A N N. That was a most enjoyable and emotional moment. D E S A N D A N N is an acapella Cuban group made up of second and third generation Haitians. Between the period of 1791 to roughly the 1980's, many Haitians emigrated to Cuba, particularly in the Oriente Province, and their sons and daughters born there decided that they not only wanted to know the land of their ancestors, but they made it their mission to maintain Haitian culture alive in Cuba. This is "D E S A N D A N N". They are made up of ten young men and women led by the Maestra Emilia Díaz Chavez. Their CD is a real treat. The collection of songs presented is a rich panoramic view of Haitian culture: Wongolo, Guede Nibo, Maroule, Fèy, Choucoune, Haiti Chérie, Lumane Casimir, etc., 14 songs in all. I consider this CD a collector's item. The voices and the arrangements are superb. The group only uses some percussion instruments; the voices do all the rest. D E S A N D A N N only sings in Creole, to better preserve the authenticity of the culture. As Emilia Díaz Chavez told me, the Group's primary objective is to preserve Haitian culture in Cuba and to make it well known throughout the country. Believe me, listening to the group tells me that their mission is largely fulfilled. You will thoroughly enjoy this CD.




A message from Guy S. Antoine:

I saw this group perform in Camaguey, Cuba in November 2002 and a few days later in Havana. What a treat! I think that these Cubans appreciate their Haitian ancestry and culture to a level a great many Haitians born in Haiti have yet to recognize. D E S A N D A N N brought tears to my eyes. I never thought that a trip to Cuba would help me connect with the spirit of my land at a deeper level, but it did. D E S A N D A N N played a big role in that. I hope that all of you will be fortunate to see those young, beautiful, and spiritual Haitian-Cubans perform some day. If you ever felt really, really down about the country's fate, this could well be the cure you need.
(snip)

http://haitiforever.com/winterludes/desandann.html

Found a sample of their music. Check 1. Guédé Nibo - Grupo Vocal Desandann

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004Y9TE/104-1235393-1087922?v=glance&vi=samples

Unbelievable, isn't it? I'm getting over to Amazon to buy their own CD. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000JJSH/ref=pm_dp_ln_m_2/104-1235393-1087922?v=glance&s=music&vi=samples

Holy moly. Amazing.