Konpa
Haiti's national dance music
Konpa (also spelled Kompa) is Haiti's national dance-music genre, created in 1955 by Nemours Jean-Baptiste. It's a smooth, joyful, mid-tempo Caribbean groove built to fill a dance floor, carried worldwide today through the Haitian diaspora.
Also spelled Kompa
Origin & history
Haitian saxophonist Nemours Jean-Baptiste created Konpa in 1955, shaping a smooth, mid-tempo groove out of Haiti's older méringue tradition.
It quickly became Haiti's national sound — the music of celebrations, weddings, and Sunday afternoons — and has traveled with the Haitian diaspora to cities across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Notable artists
The Haitian saxophonist credited with creating Konpa in 1955.
Where it lives
Songs in this genre
All music →
Questions & Answers
What is Konpa?+
Konpa (also spelled Kompa) is Haiti's national dance-music genre — a smooth, joyful, mid-tempo Caribbean groove created in 1955 by Nemours Jean-Baptiste.
Who created Konpa?+
Nemours Jean-Baptiste, a Haitian saxophonist, created Konpa in 1955.
Is Konpa the same as Kompa?+
Yes — “Konpa” and “Kompa” are two spellings of the same Haitian genre.
Where can I hear Konpa from TimTim.Live?+
TimTim.Live's song “Gita Blan” is a Konpa song — you can hear it on its song page, or explore more of Haiti's music on Haiti's country hub.