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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
Nemours Jean-Baptiste
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.
