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Racine Fest 2002
The timing of this event could not have been better. Although
the Annual Racine Festival had been planned way in advance,
an ironic twist of events would transform a concert featuring
top Haitian "Roots" performers into a rally for
equal treatment of Haitians, fueled by the appearances of
politicians. The music became secondary, a soundtrack for
a movement of the people.
On October 30th, only days before the festival a group of
200 Haitian Refugees jumped of the boat they had been reportedly
traveling on for 8 days into the waters of Biscayne Bay in
broad daylight, running desperately for freedom unto the Rickenbacker
Causeway. [see
story] The widely televised incident did to the cause
of Haitians attempting to enter the U.S. what the Rodney King
video did for Police Brutality in Los Angeles. It provided
the public with dramatic images and faces that would humanize
the cause, creating an emotional outlash on both sides of
the issue.
As fate would have it the concert was not only proceeded
by the arrival of the refugees, it would take place on the
day that voting for the elections began.
It was unclear if the members of the audience came to have
a good time listening the Roots music of their country or
if they came to participate in their community's cry for justice.
The evening's stand out performances were by Sosyete Koukouy
who performed the most cultural set with dancers dancing only
to the percussive sounds of the drum.
It was suprising to see the Iconz, a Miami rap group on stage
because none of the rappers are Haitian, however their sincere
messages of support were well received by the audience; "I
am not Haitian.." one member of the group told the audience
in between songs, "but I will be out there fighting with
my brothers fo sure!" The crowd also responded well singing
along with many of the Iconz hits including their signature
"Get Krunked Up!"
Shortly after Iconz high-octane set with performance Dr.
Pierre, the shows organizer took the stage to introduce the
special guests; Phillip Brutus [Caribbean
Hall of Fame profile], the first Haitian elected to the
Florida Legislature and the Rev. Al Sharpton who both spoke
at length about the incident, and the upcoming rallies, marches
and elections.
Afterwards a solemn Azor performed several songs including
"Allo Commandan" (Hello Commander), singing and
playing the conga. Azor is considered by many as one of the
best Conga player from Haiti. There were other standout performances
including one by Voodoo-Rock Koudjay, however it was the images
from October 30th that were repeated on the screen that served
as the stages backdrop along with the subtitle that would
remain etched in the audiences mind as they went home that
evening, "they are jumping for their lives."
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