Roots Music – RAM, one of Haiti’s most influential bands, is now at the center of a very public breakup. Richard Morse and Lunise Morse, longtime partners both onstage and off, have split, sparking a battle over who truly owns the RAM name.
For decades, RAM has stood as a symbol of Haitian cultural pride, mixing Vodou rhythms with rock and global sounds. Richard, the band’s founder, shaped its lyrics and arrangements, while Lunise became the magnetic frontwoman and manager who brought the music to life. Together, they built not just a band, but a movement.
Now, that partnership is unraveling. Richard insists the RAM name is his alone, pointing to legal documents and the fact that “RAM” comes from his own initials, Richard Augustin Morse. He has trademark filings to back his claim and has warned that the brand cannot be used without his consent.
Lunise, however, argues that RAM is more than paperwork. For her, the band’s identity is rooted in shared history, years of performances, rehearsals, and the powerful bond she created with fans. She continues to perform under the RAM name, refusing to relinquish the legacy she helped shape.
The dispute leaves the band’s future hanging in the balance. Streaming revenues, touring contracts, and industry partnerships could all be disrupted while the fight plays out. For fans, the split feels personal: Richard may have the legal edge, but many say Lunise’s voice is what they think of when they hear RAM.
What’s clear is that the story of RAM isn’t over. Whether through courtroom rulings, mediation, or a reinvention under new banners, the legacy Richard and Lunise built will endure. The name may be contested, but the music and its place in Haitian culture remain undeniable.
This is a developing story, and the HMI Magazine will continue to follow
