1ST ANNUAL HAITIAN MUSIC AWARDS

Producer of the Haitian Academy of the Performing Arts (HAPA) and COB staff invited 200 guests - music artists, music industry professionals and press to the Holiday Inn in Jamaica, New York to officially announce the event.

Upon entering the Holiday Inn ballroom one could sense that it was going to be an evening of significant magnitude for the Haitian Music Industry (HMI). With great anticipation, attendees came to hear and support a dream in the making; the dream of taking Compas music to the prestigious Avery Fisher Hall at New York's Lincoln Center. During the course of the evening, guests were given a taste of Compas music at its best with live performances by Tempo, Harmonik, and Bono from Chale Mizik accompanied by Claude Cajuste, and Polo of 1st Klass.

Artists such as Ti Joe Zenni of Kreyol La, Mickael Guirand of Carimi, L2, Lolo and Manze of Boukman Ekperyans took the stage to share the significance of Compas music but also to support and applaud the initiative that Compas on Broadway has taken to ensure that this genre of music receives the industry accolades that it truly deserves.

Compas on Broadway's press party was a true display of the multitude of styles that Compas music offers. M any artists expressed the importance of COB and their beliefs that the event will have a positive impact on the nation of Haiti. The inaugural event will pay homage to the pioneer and founder of 'Compas Direct', Mr. Nemours Jean-Baptiste. If the press party was any indication, you do not want to miss April 12, 2009 at Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center.

For more information, please visit www.compasonbroadway.com.

About the Haitian Academy for the Performing Arts (HAPA)
The HAPA's mission is to recognize Haitians for their contributions in the production and promotion of music, film, and dance.