N’écoutez pas la musique des noirs. De-Archiving the Sounds of Haiti
The Haitian soundscape is a narrative of rhythm—radical, magnificent, and urgently deserving of a central place in conversations about music in the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa, and, inevitably, Europe. There is no deeper way to enter the tangled web of historical processes than through songs. This zine emerges as a trigger, a provocation: Where have Haiti’s musics gone? Why are the voices of Ti Coca or Zobop no longer echoing across the airwaves?
This zine combines essays, archival material, music, and critical analysis in a work that invites readers to dive into the songs and historical processes of Haiti. From Toto Bissainthe to Leyla McCalla, this project by Sarah Ardite, Anabel de la Paz, and Ricardo Duque encourages us to rethink sound as a political and philosophical tool. With a handcrafted design using photocopies and special papers, it’s part of the Músicas Sospechosas collection and can be found in bookstores, cultural centers, and libraries across several countries. More than just a zine, this archive is a tool for connecting Haiti’s past and present through a critical lens—inviting readers to become active participants in its history through musical experience.
Buy online
You can buy the zine in The Lab_Oratory, FATBOTTOM, Laie Barcelona, Llibreria Finestres, Katakrak, After 8 books and Mamey for 10€ / 10USD.
For Students and Nonprofits
The zine is available for free download for students, educators, researchers, and nonprofit collectives in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Catalan and French. Requests on email.
Credits
Concept and content:
- Sarah Ardite – Writings, research and discography
- Anabel de la Paz – Curatorial archival guidance
- Ricardo Duque – Design
Translation:
- Translator Haitian Creole: Jhak Valcourt
- Translator French : Helena Febrés Fraylich
- Translator English: Judy Cantor-Navas
- Translator Catalan: Núria Martínez-Vernis
Errata sheet. On page 25 under the drawing, the following authorship is missing in some copies:
Daniel García Andújar, LTI drawings (Report on Torture) (2016)
A sonic excavation of Haitian vinyl reveals sound as memory and resistance through centuries of colonial aftermath. Led by Sarah Ardite, Pol Armengou & Anabel de la Paz
listen
Black Market’s radio program marks the launch of Músicas Sospechosas’ first fanzine, exploring Haitian music and necropolitics through critical sounds and stories.
LISTEN