Richard Duroseau, maestro of konpa and Haitian cultural pillar, dies at 85

Richard Duroseau, a defining force in Haitian music whose accordion brought konpa dirèk to life, died in New York at the age of 85 on June 23, 2025. His passing marks the end of an era for Haiti’s musical identity.

“You can’t say konpa dirèk and say you don’t know Maestro Richard Duroseau,” pianist Jocel Alméus told The Haitian Times. “It’s a huge loss.”

“We lost an entire encyclopedia. Richard was very prolific. He was very creative. He left his fingerprints on konpa dirèk. He’s a legend, we didn’t want to lose him,” Alméus added.

Many in the Haitian community, including music lovers, musicians, historians and experts, mourn the loss of Duroseau and pay tribute to his enduring legacy.

Born in 1940 and raised in a family of musicians and instrument makers, Duroseau showed early signs of talent and discipline. As a teenager, he joined Ensemble aux Calebasses, which would later become Orchestre Nemours Jean-Baptiste, one of the founding ensembles of konpa music. He became known for translating rhythm into layered musical arrangements, helping to shape a genre that would define generations.

Duroseau later formed Richard Duroseau et Son Orchestre, a group that included original members from Nemours Jean-Baptiste’s circle. The ensemble’s album, one of the first Haitian records sold in Japan, expanded konpa’s reach far beyond the Caribbean. Its lineup included Ulrick Laguerre, Leconte Ville Valex, Michel Laraque, Bobby Raymond, Kruetzer Duroseau, Frank Duroseau, Liautaud Domingue and Kedner Rimpel, with guest appearances by Tico Pasquet and André Dejean.

Throughout the years, Duroseau performed with influential bands including Mini All Stars and Ska-Shah #1. In New York, he became a fixture in the Haitian music scene, performing in local venues and building bands that incorporated his brothers and fellow musicians. His role went beyond the stage, as he often guided younger musicians and passed down foundational knowledge of konpa’s structure and spirit.

He also accompanied renowned Haitian artists such as Joe Trouillot, Raymond Sicot and Maryse Coulanges, adding depth and texture to their performances. His work preserved the essential qualities of konpa even as the genre evolved and crossed borders.

In 2015, he was awarded the National Order of Honor and Merit by the Haitian government for his cultural contributions.

Duroseau’s legacy lives in both his music and the paths he paved for other artists. His influence can be felt in the rhythms of Port-au-Prince, in Brooklyn’s dance halls and in every corner of the diaspora where Haitian music lives on.

Duroseau’s family has not yet announced details about his upcoming funeral. However, they assure that the dates for his funeral and official memorial will be shared through Haitian community networks, and everyone is welcome to participate.

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