Haiti the first independent black nation this side of the hemisphere, has sustained the storm of political tyranny of Papa Doc and his Tontons Macoutes. This tiny island's strong cultural tie with Africa is detectable through its many religious rituals and secular music. Haiti's buckle-rubbing street music Meringue along with Compas, Rara, Gaga and other popular rhythms have a definitive African character. Well known artists such as Boukman Esperyans, Rara Machine, Boukan Guinen and RAM are the foremost exponent of Haiti's root music. Andy Palacio plays a style of music, which is a blend of African roots and native Garifuna rhythms with a pinch of Latin flavoring.
Brazil has the largest population of African descents outside North America.
Unlike its American counterparts though, Brazil's black population has kept and held steadfastly the traditions, rites and customs of Africa. Like the other Caribbean and Central America nations, the ethnic mix is of the same ingredients, African, European and Indian. If you want to see Africa folklore in living colors, go to Salvador de Bahia the musical capital of Brazil in the north eastern region. Everyone you see on the street is black and the compelling influence of Africa is everywhere, in the dance in the music of Afro-Brazilians. Choro, Carimbo, Samba, Bossa nova and Lambada are all creation of the black population of Brazil.