Journey through Haiti’s remarkable historical works in this episode of Haiti in Minutes, hosted by Emmanuel Étienne. Explore how both monumental architecture and influential literature have shaped Haitian identity and pride.

The episode opens with the story of the Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Americas, built by King Henri Christophe after Haiti’s independence. Perched atop a northern mountain, the Citadel was more than a defensive structure—it was a bold declaration of Black sovereignty and resilience. Nearby, the Sans-Souci Palace stands as a testament to Haitian creativity, rivaling European palaces while remaining distinctly Haitian.

Listeners will discover how these structures are more than stone—they are living vessels of collective memory, surviving earthquakes and time as symbols of revolutionary achievement.

The episode then shifts to the literary works that redefined Haitian self-perception. In 1928, Jean Price-Mars published Ainsi Parla L’Oncle, urging Haitians to embrace their African heritage and sparking a cultural renaissance. The discussion continues with C.L.R. James’s The Black Jacobins, which brought the Haitian Revolution’s global significance to light, and highlights contemporary voices like Edwidge Danticat and Michel-Rolph Trouillot, who continue to shape Haiti’s narrative on the world stage.

Through vivid storytelling, Emmanuel reveals how Haiti’s castles and books together insist that Haitian stories matter—whether carved in stone or written on paper, they proclaim, “We are here, we are proud, and our story deserves to be told”

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Dive into the vibrant world of Haitian music in the third episode of Haiti in Minutes, hosted by Emmanuel Étienne. This episode explores how centuries of cultural fusion have shaped Haiti’s unique musical landscape, blending African, French, Spanish, and indigenous Taino influences into a sound that is distinctly Haitian.

Listeners will journey through the origins and evolution of Haitian music, discovering how the rhythms and traditions of the Taino and West African peoples laid the foundation for genres that still thrive today. Emmanuel highlights the impact of French colonial rule, which introduced new melodies and instruments, sparking the creation of dynamic new styles after Haiti’s independence.

The episode breaks down the major genres that define Haitian music:

• Twoubadou, Zouk, and Hip-Hop Creole: Modern genres reflecting global influences while staying true to Haitian roots.

• : Traditional processional music tied to Vodou and Carnival, featuring bamboo trumpets and call-and-response vocals.

• : Dance music with African and European roots, popular in the 19th century.

• : Upbeat dance music invented in the 1950s, now a dominant genre in Haiti and beyond.

• : A powerful fusion of Vodou ceremonial music with rock, reggae, and funk, often carrying political messages.

Emmanuel also spotlights influential artists like Wyclef Jean, Sweet Micky (Michel Martelly), and Nu-Look, explaining how their music has shaped Haitian identity and inspired generations at home and in the diaspora.

This episode reveals that music in Haiti is more than entertainment—it’s a form of storytelling, resistance, and community building, deeply woven into the nation’s cultural fabric.

Explore the flavors and stories behind Haitian cuisine in the second episode of Haiti in Minutes, hosted by Emmanuel Étienne. This episode delves into the rich tapestry of Haiti’s culinary traditions, tracing their roots to Latin America, West Africa, and France.

Listeners will discover how staple ingredients like plantains (bannann), yuca (manyòk), and sweet potatoes (patat) are prepared in Haitian kitchens and how these foods connect Haiti to its neighboring Latin American countries. Emmanuel highlights the similarities and subtle differences in how these ingredients are named and cooked across the Caribbean and Hispanic world, such as bannann fri (fried plantains) and manyòk fri (fried yuca), drawing parallels to dishes like tostones and yuca frita.

The episode also celebrates Haiti’s West African heritage, showcasing foods like okra, red palm oil, and tonmtonm (similar to West African fufu), and explains how these influences are woven into the daily diet. French colonial history is reflected in dishes such as mayi moulen (cornmeal), soft Haitian bread reminiscent of baguettes, and the iconic soup joumou.

Through vivid storytelling, Emmanuel reveals how Haitian cuisine is a true cultural melting pot, shaped by centuries of migration, adaptation, and resilience. Whether you’re a food lover, a member of the Haitian diaspora, or simply curious about world cuisines, this episode offers a flavorful introduction to the dishes that bring Haitians together around the table