Rara:
- Festive music associated with Vodou ceremonies.
- Performed during Carnival and other celebrations.
- Features horns, drums, and maracas.
Kompa:
- Compas, also spelled Konpa, Compas Direct or simply Compas.
- Modern Haitian dance and ballroom music.
- Developed from Haitian merengue in the 1950s.
- Dominated by a two-beat rhythm played by a drum set or keyboard.
Bouyon:
- Developed from Rara music in the 1970s.
- Popular for carnival celebrations.
- Fast tempo, heavy percussions and synth.
Mizik Rasin
- Means “roots” music in Creole.
- Blend of traditional Haitian music and modern instrumentation.
- Features drums, handclaps, traditional African instruments, and singing.
Twoubadou:
- Haitian troubadour tradition dates to French colonial times.
- Soloists with acoustic guitars, mixing storytelling and music.
- Contemporary twoubadou can include larger bands and electronic instruments.
Méringue:
- Originally from Dominican Republic, popular in Haiti as well.
- Lively and fast-paced genre similar to salsa.
Haitian Gospel/Christian:
- Haitian interpretation of Western and Caribbean gospel music.
- Often accompanied by traditional Haitian instruments.
Rara Rock:
- Blend of Rara and rock music, emerged in the 1980s.
- Combines traditional Rara rhythms with electric guitars and heavy-hitting drums.
These genres may further evolve and fuse over time, showcasing the rich musical heritage and creativity of Haitian artists.