konpa
what it is
Konpa, also spelled compas, is a popular dance music genre originating from Haiti in the 1950s, created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste. It features a steady 4/4 beat with a signature "konpa direkt" rhythm, played on instruments like the guitar, saxophone, and conga drums, often with romantic or festive lyrics. The style evolved from Haitian meringue and influences genres like zouk, as heard in works like Boulpik’s "Konpa Lakay" (2014).
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make konpa a playlist
turn these 12 artists into something you can press play on.
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questions
What is konpa?
Konpa, also spelled compas, is a popular dance music genre originating from Haiti in the 1950s, created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste. It features a steady 4/4 beat with a signature "konpa direkt" rhythm, played on instruments like the guitar, saxophone, and conga drums, often with romantic or festive lyrics. The style evolved from Haitian meringue and influences genres like zouk, as heard in works like Boulpik’s "Konpa Lakay" (2014).
What are good konpa albums to start with?
Try Exodus, vol.1 by Exodus and Konpa Lakay by Boulpik.
Who are some women making konpa?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/konpa/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making konpa, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-22