‘Grenadye Alaso! Men mizik…’ World Cup inspires new music from Haitian musicians

MIAMI — From Port-au-Prince to Paris, Miami to Montreal and points in between, Haitian musicians have unleashed more than two dozen songs celebrating Les Grenadiers’ historic return to the FIFA World Cup. The music wave is enough to create a soundtrack for the moment many Haitians thought they would never see in their lifetime, even as the Haitian Football Federation has yet to adapt an official team anthem.

Ayiti Coles, a singer and songwriter who goes by “Ayiiti,” is among those who dropped new music. Her “Ayiti Nan Batay,” Haitian Creole for “Haiti is in the Battle,” garnered over 100,000 views in 48 hours, underscoring the hunger for all things Haiti as the stage one matches approach. 

She says it’s only fitting for music to be part of this historic moment.

“Sports and music are two of the strongest forces that unite Haitians of all generations — regardless of social status — wherever they are,” Coles said.

“People are making fun of Haitians because we have produced so many songs for Les Grenadiers,” she explained. “They don’t understand how this moment of hope and optimism belongs to all Haitians. That’s why I wanted to create a song that captures unity.”

Many of the songs draw inspiration from “Grenadye, Alaso,” historic battle cry from Haiti’s revolutionary heritage that the national soccer team adapted as a slogan. Together, the songs reflect a collective desire to celebrate Haiti’s accomplishments rather than its challenges. They also underscore the unique role that sports and culture play in connecting millions of Haitians and their descendants living across the globe

For many, music amplifies that connection.

“Haitians are spread everywhere, but moments like this bring us together,” said guitarist Paul Beaubrun. “Whether you’re in Haiti, Canada, France or the United States, everyone can feel part of the same celebration.” 

Soundtrack strikes multiple chords

Indeed, the independently-produced musical tributes come from artists spanning generations and genres of Haitian music talent. Together, the tracks tell a larger story about national pride, strength, culture and hope at a time when Haiti continues to grapple with multiple crises.

Coles’ song refers to the 1803 Bataille de Vertières that led to the country’s independence. Featuring renowned artists and musicians — including guitarist and singer Paul Beaubrun, singer Badi Kamal and founders of the legendary roots band Boukman Eksperyans — “Ayiti Nan Batay” has emerged as one of the most prominent World Cup-themed releases.

Combining the iconic 1974 Twoubadou-inspired soccer anthem “Zim Pim Bo” and the Boukman Eksperyans carnival classic “Kè M Pa Sote” from the 1990s, Coles released the song on May 29. Her video drew over 121,000 views, propelled by fans applauding the blend of contemporary Haitian sounds and traditional roots while celebrating Haiti’s culture and determination. Her song’s title — “Ayiti Nan Batay” — reflects both the team’s competitive spirit and the country’s broader struggles and perseverance.

“It is a rare national moment capable of transcending political divisions, geographic boundaries and the daily challenges facing Haitians both at home and abroad,” Ayiiti told The Haitian Times.

Other artists emphasize other aspects of Haiti and its children, from the land’s paradisiacal beauty to world-class achievements across all domains.

“Set It Off,” for one, is a polished visual feat that features sweeping views of Haiti’s hidden-in-plain-sight gems — making it one of the most widely circulated World Cup songs. The song by Hantz “T-Ansyto Maestro” Mercier Jr., Sidney “Sincerely Suav” Kelly and “Afriken an” is multilingual and includes global social media darling, Ariana Milagro Lafond — choices that highlight the Haitian population’s diversity, youthfulness and innovative spirit. One recurring theme is breaking barriers and proving doubters wrong — sentiments that resonate deeply with Haitians who feel their country is shown gratuitously in crisis and hardship versus Haitians’ determination and accomplishments.

Another single receiving much acclaim comes from Tadia Toussaint, the influencer and musician marketer. Her “Amweyo” featuring Shabba about doing your best and achieving excellence is used in the GAP & Brooklyn Circus fashion collection ad.

Numerous tunes from different communities — many with some AI-generated help — are also making the rounds across socials. Marlon Lindor’s “Grenadye – Kale Yo,” DJ Nassi’s “Les Grenadiers,” “Nou La” by Steven Coulange, “Ayiti Jiska La Final,” “Grenadye Alaso” and “Ayiti Pral Fèl Ankò” by Seldor Molege are atop the list. Collab “Dedouble” by Tony Mix and T-Ansyto featuring J Perry, Shabba, K-Dilak and Kenny Haiti are also odes to Grenadiers fandom songs circulating on social media, as are “Ayiti Leve Kanpe,” “Vide Gòl Sou Yo” and “Ayiti  Leve.”

Independent talent also fills official vacuum 

The spread of World Cup songs follows a failed effort by Haiti’s Ministry of Culture and Communication to create a single official anthem.

In late March, the ministry launched a competition inviting artists in Haiti and the diaspora to compose a one-minute Creole song around the theme “Grenadye Alaso.” The winning artist was to receive a prize of 1 million gourdes, about $7,700.

The ministry received 117 submissions. But after reviewing them, a jury chaired by Lionel Benjamin, a veteran Haitian composer and singer, concluded that none met the mark. On May 12, the ministry announced it would instead consider commissioning professionals through a restricted bidding process.

Independent artists quickly filled a void that few Haitians felt with the emergence of their variety of songs that have become the unofficial soundtrack of Haiti’s World Cup campaign. The result is a uniquely Haitian soundtrack — one rooted in diversity, unity, hope, creativity and collective pride.

The Ministry did not return messages seeking comment about the anthem’s status nor whether they might choose one of the many already making waves.

Toussaint, the singer, said the lack of governmental organization comes as “no surprise.”  It is also an impetus for independent creatives, who should take the lead on such cultural markers as a celebratory song. That’s why she released “Anmweyo,” which she wrote back in 2018 in anticipation of Haiti eventually qualifying for the global tournament.

“It’s time that we take the lead, man,” Toussaint said. That’s the only way that this is going to work.”

“For me, this response is the artists leaning in and taking advantage,” she said.

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