Music in the Tent Camps

In June, I traveled back to Haiti and met up with my close friend Dora to meet the residents and musicians of the tent camps of Port-au-prince. What at first appears to be a sea of blue plastic tents, you soon discover is home to beautifully creative people with innovation and passion for creating a better world. The June trip allowed us to build solid connections with Haitian leaders, including two key partners Carlos and James. In September, we plan to return to Haiti and begin recording the musicians that we began to meet and mix a CD representing the vast array of talent. We will also work alongside international musicians who will help market the song around the world. At the end of the year, we hope to compile the CD and put it up for sale on itunes – and all proceeds from the sales will support music education programs in Haiti designed by the local musicians. But there’s a twist to the CD… (and this is the fun part!) Each song will represent a critical element to the social dimension of sustainability. We will use Max Neef’s Fundamental Human Needs, a framework for detailing nine distinct and unique human needs that are essential to healthy and thriving lives. With Haiti and the post-disaster situation after the earthquake as a backdrop, we will co-write lyrics that illustrate each of the nine human needs. The CD will help people better understand social sustainability and how it applies to a country such as Haiti. The project will have a few key impacts. - Highlight and showcase local Haitian musicians to the US and abroad - Fund groups working on music education in Haiti with proceeds from the CD - Educate people about the social dimension of sustainability and fundamental human needs through the lyrics of the CD But most importantly, the project will be an important tool for Haitians living in the midst of poverty and violence. Gangs operate in many of the tent camps and poverty is an inescapable reality for many. Business opportunities are lacking and trying to find a decent job to support one’s family is often all people look for. Through music, we hope to provide an alternative outlet for people to voice their problems and pursue their passions. During our many conversations sitting in the tents and talking with the residents, it became apparent how powerful music could be to inspire people to find other opportunities. It gives people something to hope and strive for. Gang members were interested in how music could be an alternative to violence and killing. Children who are sometimes forced into prostitution are able to sing about their lives and return back to the childhood that is sometimes stolen from them. What at first seems like just recording a CD quickly becomes something far more to the people of the tent camps. During my time in Haiti, I began recording the first clips for the CD and talking with musicians about writing lyrics for the project and how it connects to social sustainability. A second trip is being planned for September to continue recording. Overall, our goal is to sell 250 copies of the physical CD and 350 digital copies on itunes, which will generate $5,500 to be put towards music education in Haiti.