N'écoutez pas la musique des noirs. De-archiving the sounds of Haiti

The Haitian soundscape is a narrative of rhythm—radical, magnificent, and urgently deserving of a central place in conversations about music in the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa, and, inevitably, Europe. There is no deeper way to enter the tangled web of historical processes than through songs. This zine emerges as a trigger, a provocation: Where have Haiti’s musics gone? Why are the voices of Ti Coca or Zobop no longer echoing across the airwaves?

This zine combines essays, archival material, music, and critical analysis in a work that invites readers to dive into the songs and historical processes of Haiti. From Toto Bissainthe to Leyla McCalla, this project by Sarah Ardite, Anabel de la Paz, and Ricardo Duque encourages us to rethink sound as a political and philosophical tool. With a handcrafted design using photocopies and special papers, it’s part of the Músicas Sospechosas collection and can be found in bookstores, cultural centers, and libraries across several countries. More than just a zine, this archive is a tool for connecting Haiti’s past and present through a critical lens—inviting readers to become active participants in its history through musical experience.

Credits
Concept and content:

    Sarah Ardite – Writings, research and discography
    Anabel de la Paz – Curatorial archival guidance
    Ricardo Duque – Design

 
Translation:
    Translator English: Judy Cantor-Navas