Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by TD Bank, the Festival Haïti en Folie is the biggest multidisciplinary festival fully committed to Haitian culture outside Haiti. The Festival, which combines Haïti en Folie events in Montreal and New York City, is proud to launch its 2020 online program from July 24 to 26. The program features artists of Haitian descent from Montreal, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Port-au-Prince, Brussels, Hamburg, Paris, and Santo Domingo.
Renowned artists including Dany Laferrière, BélO, TiCorn, Beethova Obas, Paul Beaubrun, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Gessica Geneus, Rodney Saint-Éloi, Emeline Michel, and James Germain will take part in the festivities. A glowing tribute will be paid to the legendary Manno Charlemagne by way of a full rebroadcast of his final concert at the 2009 Festival Haïti en Folie in Montreal. For the first time, this year’s revamped festival welcomes two well-known DJs of Haitian descent: Gardy Girault and Michael Brun. Painter and muralist MALICIOUZ will also be among the first-timers. During the Festival, Fabrice Vil, Will Prosper, Fabienne Colas, Déborah Cherenfant, Frantz Voltaire, Bruno Mourral, and others will discuss societal challenges. Broadcasts will include performances by many local artists, such as Eddy King, Preach, Mehdi Bousaidan, Dominique Bottex, Garihanna Jean-Louis, Marie-Josée Lord, Jenny Salgado, Wesli, Toto Laraque, and Sara Rénélik, not forgetting the Mapou Ginen, EKSPRESYON, and Aurée Danse-Création dance troupes. Last but not least, chefs Nadege Fleurimond, Marie Leeds, and Paul Toussaint will add spice to the festival with cooking workshops.
Under the theme of SOLIDARITY, this year’s online programming will unveil the true meaning of Haitian culture through a variety of unique events and rebroadcasts of past festival highlights. This time, all the usual sections of the festival will be presented online—and all free of charge. The public is encouraged to donate to allow us to provide free programming and support and maintain the festival.