Port-au-Prince revives live concert energy for end-of-year celebrations after long hiatus

PORT-AU-PRINCE — After years of silence brought on by insecurity and political instability, live music reclaimed the capital’s nightlife during Haiti’s end-of-year celebrations.

Webertson Célestin, a longtime member of the konpa band Klass, defied safety concerns to attend the group’s long-awaited return to Port-au-Prince. The Dec. 28 concert in Pétion-Ville drew a large crowd of devoted fans who, like him, were willing to take risks to witness the highly anticipated moment.

“The turnout was extraordinary,” Célestin said in an interview with The Haitian Times. “The number of people who traveled to attend showed just how hungry the public was to dance to Klass again after more than six years away, without performing in Port-au-Prince.”

Now living in Delmas 60, Célestin lost his home when the Viv Ansanm gang seized control of his childhood neighborhood of Solino. Though deeply scarred by violence and displacement, he refused to let insecurity keep him home for the holidays. Not even the $70 ticket price — steep by local standards — deterred him.

His story echoed across Port-au-Prince, which did not fall silent at the close of 2025 despite ongoing crises. Bands and artists returned from abroad for December performances, while posters advertising concerts multiplied across Delmas and Pétion-Ville, where most large events were held.

Music lovers packed clubs, bars and concert halls, eager for release after a year marked by stress, fear and economic strain. From DJ-led parties to full-band performances, audiences turned out in large numbers, spending what they could to reclaim moments of joy.

Iconic konpa groups, including Klass, led by Richie Jean Hérard; Kaï, directed by Richard Cavé; Mass Konpa with Gracia Delva; Disip with Gazman Couleur at the helm; Harmonik under Mac D; and Kreyòl La featuring TiDjo Zenny, helped transform the season into a rare collective escape.

For Carlile Perrin, attending Kreyòl La’s performance was both a celebration and a reflection. Enjoying the konpa band joined by rappers Lord Wensky “Trouble Boy” Jolissaint and Steve Joseph Bryan, she acknowledged the discomfort of dancing while many Haitians remain displaced or homeless, yet said the evening reflected a deeper desire to live fully despite hardship. It was a moment to ask for a little more beyond the essentials: security, electricity, job creation and clean streets.

“This year, I wanted to treat myself,” Perrin said. “After working, studying and dealing with stress all year, I deserved one night out. The atmosphere was engaging. You could see on everyone’s face the desire to have fun and truly live.”

The resurgence was not limited to the capital. Provincial cities also buzzed with end-of-year festivities. Solo artists, including Roody Roodboy, Anie Alerte, Tedd Harry “Teddy Hashtag” Beaufort and Tony “Tony Mix” Mahotière, alongside bands such as Nu Look, Vayb and Zafèm, energized crowds in Cap-Haïtien, Jérémie, Hinche, Léogâne, Gonaïves and Les Cayes.

And the celebrations are far from over. January event posters are already circulating, clubs remain active, and nightlife continues into the new year.

Given the country’s economic strain — including the gourde’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar — cultural observers say the season’s turnout signals resilience.

And the celebrations are far from over. January event posters are already circulating, clubs remain active, and nightlife continues into the new year.

Given the country’s economic strain — including the gourde’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar — cultural observers say the season’s turnout signals resilience.

“Most cultural activities are considered successful in Haiti,” said cultural journalist Max “Max Reports” Céant. “People are traveling to support artists, even with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $60.”

After a long period of disruption, the return of live concerts offered Haitians a brief but powerful reminder of music’s enduring role as a refuge, a form of resistance, and a source of renewal.

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