Press Release – Kalepwa Magazine

21 Years and Counting The Haitian Compas Festival continues its Reign

admin — Fri, 24 May 2019 03:23:46 +0000

Miami, Florida – May 22, 2019 – Recognized as one of the largest outdoor festivals in the United States, the Haitian Compas Festival brought tens of thousands of people to Mana Wynwood on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The red and blue from Haitian flags could be seen throughout Wynwood and the sounds of Compas music could be heard for blocks. Thanks to the efforts of our sponsors, the artists, staff and media, the public came in full force to commemorate Haitian Flag Day.

For 21 years, the Haitian Compas Festival has united Haitians from around the world who have found a place to celebrate their music and heritage on a larger scale right here in Miami.

“When we began the festival we wanted to give local diaspora something to enjoy to commemorate Haitian Flag Day. After 21 years, Miami has become an extension of Haitian pride throughout the entire month of May, and the week of the festival is totally Haitian made. We have created a legacy that will surpass us for the next generation,” says Rodney Noel, Co-Founder of the Haitian Compas Festival.

The Haitian Compas Festival is now a staple in Miami that has brought tourists from New York, Boston, Atlanta, Martinique, Guyana and France, amongst others, to indulge in the Miami sun while swaying to the melodious sounds of Compas music being played on major radio stations and television stations to commemorate Haitian Flag Day and Haitian Heritage Cultural Month.

“The festival has become bigger than just us. We have put all of the biggest acts in Haitian music history on our stage and have brought a massive amount of tourism to Miami for a week of music, food, fun and Haitian history,” explains Jean Michel Cerenord, Co-Founder of the festival.

“As a team, we continue to grow, promoting Haitian culture, finding validation within the community and asking for sponsorship dollars to fortify our efforts in showing the world how Haitians make-up a large percentage of greatness in our community. The Haitian Compas Festival has played an integral role in making that possible,” shares Alexandre Ade, Haitian Compas Festival Board Member.

The Haitian Compas Festival has become a mecca of Haitian pride and next year on Saturday, May 16, 2020 it will once again take center stage at Mana Wynwood as the biggest Haitian Flag Celebration in the world.

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Haitian-American Millennials Summit 2019

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 02:21:30 +0000

Miami, FL [April 22, 2019]—Avanse Ansanm (Haitian Creole: Moving Forward, Together) is hosting a 1-day Haitian-American Millennials Summit at Miami-Dade College’s North Campus Science Complex on Saturday, April 27, 2019 titled Kiyes Ou Ye (Who are You): Culture, Community & Connections. The summit will address relevant topics in the United States and Haiti affecting their demographic and the greater community.

The millennial generation of Americans of Haitian descent are following the historical American immigration assimilation story of struggle to eventual success. Their coming of age is reflected with myriads of examples from this group participating in the betterment of their families and communities and leading in their respective professional fields across America. Using 2009 census data, the Center for Immigration Studies estimates that at least 300,000 US born Americans have at least one parent that was born in Haiti. As of 2015, the US Census Bureau estimates that 1.1 million persons of Haitian ancestry live in the United States. Florida alone has 300,000 persons of Haitian descent. The majority of Haitian-Americans reside in Florida, New York/New Jersey and Massachusetts, with clusters also in Georgia, the Mid-Atlantic States and remaining pockets across the United States.

The agenda topics for the Haitian-American Millennials Summit reflect issues affecting the general millennial demographic including wealth generation, civic engagement, and discussions revolving around the contributions that Haitians provide to American society. This is a major forum that will have panel discussions led by leading local academics, politicians, culture endorsers, and others, on how and why Haitian-Americans are having significant influence in the United States and Haiti. Partners include Commissioner Jean Monestime, Miami-Dade County Commission, District #2 and Miami Dade College, North Campus. The summit is scheduled from 9am-4pm.

Admission for the summit is free. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration and more info can be found at AvanseAnsanm.org/summit.

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About Avanse Ansanm
Avanse Ansanm is a movement to engage South Florida Haitian- American millennials in creating a shared agenda for the advancement of the Haitian community & increasing Haitian-American millennials volunteerism, commitment, connectivity, and investment in the Haitian Community in South Florida & in Haiti. Avanse Ansanm’s mission is to engage & connect Haitian-American Millennials, understand and harness collective economic & political power, preserve Haitian culture in Haitian- American Millennials, and cultivate a strong community bounded by a shared strategy to Advance All Things Haitian.

For more information, please contact Santra Denis at Santra@AvanseAnsanm.org

BasKerBen Debuts “LIGHTS” Music Video

K St. Fort — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:24:29 +0000

This evening, BASKERBEN released the music video for his latest single, “LIGHTS” Directed by Kervens B. Bastien. This new autobiography was shot in JEAN-RABEL, HAITI & ATLANTA, GA last month and features singer Dafnie.

View the video HERE.

Zafem – The Grand Premiere

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:16:47 +0000

New York City, New York – March 28, 2019 – Jaz Enterprise, in collaboration with HaitianBeatz, is proud to formally introduce “Zafem” to the Haitian Music Industry (HMI), with their official grand premiere on Friday, June 21, 2019 at La Boom – 56-15 Northern Blvd., Woodside, Ny 11377. Comprised of two major Haitian talents, “Zafem’s” music arsenal is one of the fiercest to come out in the HMI in almost a decade.

“It’s time for the HMI to welcome something new, something innovative and something different. The two of us together create an indescribable connection that fans will love when they see us performing live,” explains one of the founding members, Dener Ceide.

“Zafem” consists of two musical masterminds who have had a long career creating some of people’s favorite songs. One of the most versatile singers that has graced the stage is Reginald Cange and within “Zafem” he is crafting his own unique sound to add to Dener Ceide’s producing and writing genius. Together, they have handpicked musicians who will complement their abilities and fine tune their talents to bring music aficionados only the best of the best.

“Music has always been my passion and today as we launch an album that will add love to people’s hearts and smiles on the faces of fans from around the world – I can’t wait to just let the music speak for itself,” shares Mr. Cange.

The void in the HMI is finally filled with “Zafem” and at their grand premiere all the pieces will come together.

Follow @zafem_official on all social media outlets and contact via email at zafemmusic@gmail.com.
Who: ZAFEM
What: Grand Premiere
Where: La Boom
56-15 Northern Blvd
Woodside, Ny 11377
When: Friday, June 21, 2019
Why: The HMI deserves this! It’s time!

Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida appoints Paola Pierre as Chairwoman

admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 19:16:07 +0000

Miami, Florida – (March 15, 2019) The Haitian-American Chamber Commerce of Florida is pleased to announce the appointment of Paola Pierre as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. A longtime member of the Board, Ms. Pierre has served the Chamber in many capacities, first as board member, Secretary, Executive Director and most recently as the Board Operations Director and member of the Executive Committee. “As one of the founding members of the Chamber and an active member of the Haitian-American professional community, it is truly an honor to serve this prestigious organization as its Chairwoman. I am thrilled to have witnessed the growth of the Chamber and its impact on our local community, the larger US Haitian diaspora and Haiti” stated Ms. Pierre.

Ms. Pierre will lead a 14- member Board of Directors including newly appointed member Mr. Alix Charlier, Mr. Jean G. Belizaire; and newly elected Ms. Natacha Alexandre and Mr. Prinston Jean-Claude.

Ms. Pierre currently serves as the Assistant Personnel Director of the City of North Miami, Florida. In this capacity she serves as a human services and relationship specialist as well as coordinates, develops, organizes and implements personnel programs. Prior to the City of North Miami, she was the owner of Pierre Consulting, Inc., a firm that provided consulting and administrative services to several local organizations.

learn more about HACCOF