Following the postponement of its 18th edition, originally scheduled for January, the Haiti Jazz Foundation has redesigned the festival to adapt it to the current context. The result: a unique edition, "PAPJAZZ' It Up !", driven by 100% local energy and creativity, again under the high patronage of the Ministry of Culture.

Inspired by Creole jazz, this concept revisits Haitian music by infusing it with a jazz touch. Several groups have worked on exclusive arrangements to offer unique performances. The public will discover the results during two exceptional evenings on March 21 and 22, 2025, at the Karibe Hotel, starting at 4 p.m.

Friday, March 21, Prestige Stage:

- JazzXtension, discovered during the "Sunday Jazz Brunch in the Latin Quarter," invites Alexis Lucolson Mensrau (saxophonist) and Tiga (percussion-vocals);

- Slam'n Jazz "Les Amours. Balles Perdues," a collaboration between Eliézer Guérismé, Badio, Ricardo Boucher, and Syto Cavé, alongside musicians Joel Widmaier, Pierre-Ely Charles, and Acson Fanfan;

- Nanmvodoua, representing the new generation of rasin mizik.

Saturday, March 22, Barbancourt Stage :

- Ami Jazz, the rising force of Creole jazz, with Yves Frantz Casseus, Marven Jean, Gabiel Simon, Alexis Lucolson Mensrau, and singer Gardyn Mercier;

- Joel Akoustik & Guests : Alexa Cherrelus, Fameuse Maude, Clément (Kéké) Bélizaire, TiSax, Norman Imeran, Johnson St. Cyr, Nathanael Cineus, and Feguitho Francois - a vibrant fusion of konpa, chanson, and jazz, reinterpreting well-known themes;

- Kolo & Co, bringing the raratech style with Kabysh, Ti Tanbou, Joel Widmaier, and Clément (Kéké) Bélizaire.

Admission to the Karibe concerts on March 21st and 22nd : 1,000 gourdes per evening (tickets available at Librairies La Pléiade, Hôtel Karibe, Ogé 3, and online at www.pamevent.com).

Opening night at Magdoos on March 20th: presale on site for $20 USD.

All other activities are free!

The rara experience will also be on offer with the Follow Jah band on March 21st and 22nd.

Afternoon in the Latin Quarter with Creole jazz :

- Friday, March 21st: Clyde Duverné with Therly Job;

- Saturday, March 22: Tritone Jazz Trio, a newcomer to the local jazz scene.

Beyond the concerts, PAPJAZZ also includes :

- Workshops and knowledge sharing: "Jazz pou timoun" at the Brazil-Haiti Cultural Center;

- Showcases on the Discovery Stage: Four emerging artists/groups, including the winner of the "Anne chante Toto Bissainthe" competition;

- Film program: Six films and documentaries at the Institut Français.

A committed and supportive edition :

- "Jazz pou timoun" will also take place in a camp for displaced persons, in partnership with IBERS, offering a musical experience to around thirty out-of-school children.

- "The Walls of Commitment" with the International Organization of La Francophonie: interactive spaces where participants can write a promise, draw, or leave a message for their community or country. These messages will be shared on PAPJAZZ's social media channels.

Full details on all activities and schedules are available at: https://www.papjazzhaiti.org/schedules

Jazz Workshops for Timoun:

Registration required (forms available at the Brazil-Haiti Cultural Center (CCBH) starting March 17).

HL/ HaitiLibre