Each January, the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, better known as PAP Jazz, transforms the Haitian capital into a global musical crossroads. For its 19th edition in 2026, the festival reaffirmed its role as a cultural beacon, bringing together local and international artists in a vibrant celebration of jazz, tradition, and Haitian creativity.

On January 7, 2026, the Karibe Garden was transformed into an open-air stage for the opening night. The audience, invited to actively participate through peace murals displayed across the venue, shared messages of hope, turning the space into a living collective artwork.

The opening program offered a rich and diverse musical journey, featuring Daniel Torrès, Joel Akoustik, Pawòl Tanbou, and Riva Précil. Each artist, in their own way, explored the bridges between jazz, traditional music, and contemporary influences, illustrating the festival’s plural identity.

For his first visit to Haiti, Mexican musician Daniel Torrès delivered an intimate performance blending guitar, voice, and atmospheric vocalizations. Inspired by Haiti’s cultural richness, he shared a message centered on three essential values: freedom, hope, and creativity.

When Jazz Engages in Dialogue with Haitian Heritage

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the performance by Haitian singer and performer Riva Précil, accompanied by the group Pawòl Tanbou. Together, they created a musical experience deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition.

Carried by the ancestral rhythms of the drums, Riva Précil performed songs such as Ouvè pòt la and Maji, embodying a music that draws from collective memory while embracing contemporary expression. Pawòl Tanbou, for their part, made the percussion resonate as a universal language, recalling the strength and continuity of Haitian traditions.

This fusion of modernity and heritage perfectly illustrates the essence of PAP Jazz: a space where jazz becomes a meeting point between cultures, generations, and identities.

A Vibrant Caribbean and International Stage

Haitian artist Joel Akoustik brought festive energy to the evening by revisiting classics from the group Kim Posse in a jazz interpretation. His performance transformed the garden into a true Caribbean celebration, inviting the audience to dance and rejoice.

Beyond the performances, the festival extended into the night with concerts and informal musical encounters, particularly during after-events held at La Réserve restaurant, reinforcing its role as a platform for artistic exchange.

The 2026 edition of PAP Jazz goes beyond its musical dimension. In a national context marked by multiple challenges, the festival stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. It reminds us that Port-au-Prince remains an artistic capital capable of attracting talents from around the world while honoring its own heritage.

Since its creation, PAP Jazz has helped position Haiti on the map of major international jazz destinations. It offers a showcase for Haitian artists while encouraging intercultural collaborations, strengthening the country’s role in the global music scene.

The 19th edition of PAP Jazz confirms that music remains a powerful force for unity, dialogue, and hope. By bringing together ancestral traditions and contemporary expressions, the festival affirms an essential truth: despite challenges, Haitian culture continues to vibrate, inspire, and shine.

In Port-au-Prince, jazz is not just a musical genre. It has become a voice—the voice of a Haitian people, a history, and a future in motion.

Sources consulted

sortiesJAZZnights, Le PAPJazz aura lieu du 7 au 10 janvier 2026