Mizik Rasin: The Powerful Pulse of Boukman Eksperyans' Revolutionary Sound

Tichea Ferguson

Central Artist: Boukman Eksperyans

    This curated compilation of songs by the Haitian, Mizik Rasin band, Bouksman Eksperyans, truly dives into the harmonious world of the French-speaking Caribbean. Mizik Rasin is the "roots music" of Haiti. This talented band has been playing together since being founded in 1978 Port-au-Prince by Theodore Beauburn Jr. (Lolo) and his sister and wife, Marjorie and Mimerose Beauburn respectively. The rest of the band includes a plethora of percutionists, guitarists, and backup vocalists. The band's name is inspired by a Vodou priest, by the name of 'Dutty Boukman', who in 1791 led a ceremony that some people believe to have catalyzed the Haitian Revolution. The second part of the name 'Eksperyans' is the Haitian Creole way of saying 'Experience'. The band is renowned for its dynamic and captivating live performances, and when their songs are performed on stage, the audience frequently joins in the singing and dancing.

    As we have seen in our class lecture videos, this song entitled, Ke m Pa Sote, is one of the band's most well-known songs on their 1990 debut album, Vodou Adaje. The literal meaning of the title is "I Won't Jump" but the more figurative meaning of the song is "You Don't Scare Me". The song was a protest against the post-Papa Doc dictatorship terror that people had to endure at the hands of the military junta that ruled the country. People back then experienced an elevated level of anxiety because of the frequent disappearances, murders, and public executions of those who opposed the dictatorship. In addition to uniting the country, Boukman Eksperyans' song made people aware of the ancestral roots culture and resurrected the Haitian roots culture, which was previously suppressed by the oppressive government. Featured instruments in the song are drums (possibly tanbou), maracas, keyboard, guitar, whistles, bamboo vaksin, and lead and background (chorus) singers. The chorus' call-and-response vocals highlights the Haitian people's togetherness and shared resilience even more.

    Next, we will look at the song, Jou Nou Revolte, released in their 1992 album named Kalfou Danjere. The song's name means "The Day We Revolt" which is another song with the theme of fighting social injustices in Haiti. The chorus of this song is especially catchy with the background singers repeating the title of the song. The lead singer is also very emotive in his delivery of the lyrics and truly let the listening audience know that the topic of the song is important to all Haitians. As stated before, there are lead and backup singers who are accompanied by guitars, a keyboard, and a multitude of drums for this song. What this band is also not afraid of doing is being controversial or "going against the grain". Throughout the video, they show clips of the Haitian people being oppressed by country militia as well as them uniting in standing up against them. This is exactly what I love about this band; they won't let anyone, or entity get in the way of them spreading their message of social equity.

   

    The title track for their breakout album, Vodou Adjae is one of the most culturally impactful songs the band has produced. As the song goes on, the music changes as modern components like electric guitars and a full band arrangement are added. This seamless combination of traditional and modern sounds showcases the band's aptitude for building a link between long-standing customs and the modern world. More than just a song, "Vodou Ajae" is a musical homage to the Vodou heritage and a spiritual journey. It allows listeners to appreciate the deep and ethereal facets of Haitian religion and culture. By embracing the richness and depth of the Vodou tradition and presenting it in a modern and approachable way, this song acts as a link between the material world and the spiritual realm. The singers truly show a connection with this spiritual ritual with the emotions they sing with in this song.

    This eerie and reflective piece, Zonbi San Manman, which translates to "Zombie without a Mother," demonstrates the group's aptitude for taking on difficult and challenging topics. The song is a striking example of Boukman Eksperyans' special talent for fusing traditional Haitian musical components with modern styles to provide a beguiling and provocative auditory experience. The song opens in a cryptic and ominous manner that quickly creates an air of mystery. The rhythmic foundation of the song is built on a blend of traditional Haitian percussion, such as the resonant pounding of the tambou and the rattling of maracas, giving off an ancestor-like, primeval vibe.

    This song, Kalfou Danjere, was the title track of the band's 1992 album under the same name. The song's name, Kalfou Danjere, means "Dangerous Crossroads" which was eventually prohibited in the nation due to its alleged obscene characteristics. The tambou (a traditional Haitian drum), congas, and other percussion instruments provide the song's entrancing opening fusion of traditional Haitian rhythms. These components combine to provide a rhythmic foundation that is deeply ingrained in Haitian culture and intended to uplift the listener's body and spirit. The song invites listeners to join the chorus for change and is enthralling and inspirational regardless of the listener's linguistic proficiency. The strength and resiliency of Haiti's cultural and musical legacy are reflected in this song, which serves as a reminder of music's ability to affect societal change.

    Finally in 1998, Boukman Eksperyans recorded the song, Pawol Tafia.It features a lot of electric guitar chords in the beginning of the song and throughout the verses of the song, the guitar plays the melody alongside the lead singers. Like so many of their other music videos, they portray the Haitian people enjoying themselves adn showing the pride in which they have for their culture. Also, they have several native dance sequences displayed in this video that show that the band wants Haitians to return to their roots and never forget who they are. The beat is very lively and catchy and would entice any listener to get up and dance along to the rhythm.

Bibliography

Boukman Eksperyans. www.boukmaneksperyans.com/biography.

“---.” Boukman Eksperyans, pioneerworks.org/programs/boukman-eksperyans.

Daffylab. “Kè-m Pa Sote – the Rise of a People.” “Rasin Mizik” My Roots, 2 Sept. 2016, rasinmwen.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/ke-m-pa-sote-the-rise-of-a-people.

Gangelhoff, Christine. Tour De Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. 2019.

Team, Top Songs. “Most Popular Boukman Eksperyans Songs.” Old Time Music, 25 Sept. 2023, oldtimemusic.com/most-popular-boukman-eksperyans-songs.

Wikipedia contributors. “Boukman Eksperyans.” Wikipedia, Aug. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boukman_Eksperyans.

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