Haitian music

Haitian music encompasses the traditional and popular music of Haiti, from rara street processions and vodou drumming to the dance-band styles compas direct and cadence rampa that dominate Caribbean popular music. Founded on African-derived percussion, French and Creole song forms and a powerful big-band horn tradition, it produced internationally successful acts including *Tabou Combo*, whose "New York City" sold a million copies, and the vodou-rock of *Boukman Eksperyans* and *RAM*. Sung mostly in Haitian Creole, it is at once dance music, religious practice and a running commentary on Haitian politics.