NEW YORK CITY — July 26, 2025 — A defining moment in the history of Haitian music unfolded at the world-renowned Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan, as Clinton Benoit, Haitian-American singer, composer, and cultural ambassador, led a jubilant celebration of the 70th anniversary of Compas Direct — the musical heartbeat of Haiti.
The evening was made even more special by the presence of Nile Rodgers, the legendary guitarist and producer behind hits by Chic, Madonna, and Daft Punk. For Benoit, it marked the second time he had the honor of meeting one of his lifelong musical heroes — the first time was in South Beach, Florida. But this second encounter, on stage at the Blue Note during a late-night jam session, was nothing short of magical.
A Musical Journey Comes Full Circle
Dressed in a sharp double-breasted tuxedo and bowtie, Clinton Benoit took the stage with poise and purpose. His setlist moved through time, paying homage to Nemours Jean-Baptiste, who pioneered Compas Direct in 1955 as a new form of urban dance music rooted in Haiti’s cultural soul.
“This music was born to bring people together,” Benoit told the crowd. “Tonight, we honor Nemours, we honor Haiti, and we honor every artist who has kept Compas alive.”
The performance seamlessly fused traditional Compas grooves with modern arrangements, led by Benoit’s electrifying vocals and an ensemble of talented musicians. But the night’s most unforgettable moment came when Nile Rodgers took the stage at Benoit’s invitation, guitar in hand. The pair performed an impromptu fusion of Compas and funk, drawing roaring applause and standing ovations.
“Sharing the stage with Nile Rodgers wasn’t just a dream come true,” Benoit later reflected. “It was a reminder that music transcends borders. Funk met Compas tonight, and the result was pure magic.”
Honoring 70 Years of Compas Direct
This concert was part of a global series of celebrations commemorating the 70th anniversary of Compas Direct. Born in Port-au-Prince, the genre has grown to become Haiti’s most recognized cultural export, influencing music across the Caribbean, Africa, and the Haitian diaspora.
From cultural forums in Port-au-Prince to academic discussions and dance nights in Florida and New York, Compas is being celebrated not just for its rhythmic brilliance, but for its resilience — surviving dictatorships, disasters, and displacement to remain a defining force in Haitian identity.
Organizations such as Island SPACE and Le P’ti Club Inc. have hosted educational forums to discuss the genre’s growth, cultural significance, and its fusion with styles such as Vodou Jazz and Racine. Meanwhile, advocates in New York are renewing calls to officially designate “Haitian Konpa Day”, honoring the genre’s impact on American musical life.
A Call for Preservation
Toward the end of the night, Benoit used his platform to issue a heartfelt appeal:
“Compas isn’t just entertainment — it’s a living archive of our people’s story. We must preserve it, document it, and teach it.”
Echoing Benoit’s sentiment, Haitian media outlet Le Nouvelliste recently reported on growing momentum for the creation of a museum dedicated to Compas, which would serve as a cultural home for the genre’s legacy and future.
A Historic Night to Remember
As the final notes rang out and Benoit clasped hands with Rodgers in a gesture of mutual respect, the audience stood in thunderous applause. The evening was more than a concert — it was a celebration of cultural pride, musical excellence, and intergenerational unity.
For Clinton Benoit, who has championed Haitian music from festival stages to academic halls, it was a dream fulfilled.
“Meeting Nile Rodgers once was unforgettable,” Benoit said. “But sharing the stage with him — especially on this night, at this place, for Compas — was destiny.”
Reporting adapted in part from Le Nouvelliste and Island SPACE.
