Haiti Submits Tracé-Vèvè to UNESCO, Baky Popilè Returns, Gardy Girault Releases Jete Dlo

Haiti

On March 26, 2026, Haiti officially submitted to UNESCO the application file for the “Savoir-faire of Tracé-Vèvè,” seeking inclusion on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Already listed in Haiti’s national registry, Tracé-Vèvè stands as a symbol of creativity, memory, and resilience.

In the music scene, Charlin Bato collaborates with Tanzanian singer Inés Raguël on the single “Pardon,” a track blending Creole and French while exploring themes of tension and forgiveness within a relationship.

After three years of absence, Baky Popilè returns to the stage with the “286 Tour,” performing key tracks from his album KAIA alongside Kenny Haïti and Millz. The performance highlights resilience and renewed energy, reaffirming his place in the Haitian music scene.

DJ and producer Gardy Girault releases “Jete Dlo,” a track blending Raratech with electronic sounds while incorporating Vodou symbolism. The project reflects an effort to reinterpret Haitian heritage through contemporary and international formats.

On March 27, 2026, Haiti’s national football team unveiled its new jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring designs inspired by Vertières, the coastline, and the country’s vegetation merging cultural identity with athletic performance.

Diaspora

Canadian-Haitian singer Mélissa Laveaux released her fifth album, At My Softest, I Am Most Dangerous, drawing inspiration from themes of death and spirituality.

Artists Afroya, Mishaël, and Kelly Krow present “Pare,” a single combining Afro House with Haitian Creole, designed for clubs and digital platforms. The collaboration reflects the global reach of Haitian music while maintaining strong cultural roots.

International

The iconic radio show Couleurs Tropicales, hosted by Claudy Siar on RFI, is coming to an end after 31 years on air, marking the close of a major chapter in the promotion of Black music worldwide.

Streaming platform Spotify is testing a new feature called “Artist Profile Protection,” allowing musicians to control how their content is published and associated online, addressing concerns related to digital security and AI-generated content.

In the United Kingdom, Queen Camilla has become the first woman admitted to the prestigious Garrick Club in London, ending 193 years of male-only tradition.

Soraya Ades