Shouk Bwa Libete, Gonaives

Shouk Bwa Libete is a musical group in the racine (roots) genre that embraces traditional Haitian culture and the arts, and has created a community space where they teach young Haitians to carry on these traditions

Traditional Haitian culture, especially the parts of which that touch on voudou culture, has had a fading spotlight due to acculturation and a heavy influence from America and other dominant foreign  cultures. Folkoric dance, traditional music, and visual arts that are unique to Haiti still exist and still vibrant, and this is thanks to groups that are dedicated to keeping them alive.

Shouk Bwa Libete is one of these groups: it primarily is a music group which has been around for more than a decade, playing the racine (roots) style of music. But not only do they keep this culture alive by playing music themselves, but they are cultivating a whole new generation of young Haitians to appreciate traditional Haitian artforms. They have recently been developing a community arts space in Gonaives where they teach young Haitians to paint, sculpt, dance, and make music in a uniquely Haitian way to keep Haitian artistic tradition alive.