‘Grenadye Alaso! Men mizik…’ World Cup inspires new music from Haitian musicians

MIAMI — From Port-au-Prince to Paris, Miami to Montreal and points in between, Haitian musicians have unleashed more than two dozen songs celebrating Les Grenadiers’ historic return to the FIFA World Cup. The music wave is enough to create a soundtrack for the moment many Haitians thought they would never see in their lifetime, even as the Haitian Football Federation has yet to adapt an official team anthem.

Ayiti Coles, a singer and songwriter who goes by “Ayiiti,” is among those who dropped new music. Her “Ayiti Nan Batay,” Haitian Creole for “Haiti is in the Battle,” garnered over 100,000 views in 48 hours, underscoring the hunger for all things Haiti as the stage one matches approach. 

She says it’s only fitting for music to be part of this historic moment.

“Sports and music are two of the strongest forces that unite Haitians of all generations — regardless of social status — wherever they are,” Coles said.

“People are making fun of Haitians because we have produced so many songs for Les Grenadiers,” she explained. “They don’t understand how this moment of hope and optimism belongs to all Haitians. That’s why I wanted to create a song that captures unity.”

Many of the songs draw inspiration from “Grenadye, Alaso,” historic battle cry from Haiti’s revolutionary heritage that the national soccer team adapted as a slogan. Together, the songs reflect a collective desire to celebrate Haiti’s accomplishments rather than its challenges. They also underscore the unique role that sports and culture play in connecting millions of Haitians and their descendants living across the globe

For many, music amplifies that connection.

“Haitians are spread everywhere, but moments like this bring us together,” said guitarist Paul Beaubrun. “Whether you’re in Haiti, Canada, France or the United States, everyone can feel part of the same celebration.” 

Soundtrack strikes multiple chords

Indeed, the independently-produced musical tributes come from artists spanning generations and genres of Haitian music talent. Together, the tracks tell a larger story about national pride, strength, culture and hope at a time when Haiti continues to grapple with multiple crises.

Coles’ song refers to the 1803 Bataille de Vertières that led to the country’s independence. Featuring renowned artists and musicians — including guitarist and singer Paul Beaubrun, singer Badi Kamal and founders of the legendary roots band Boukman Eksperyans — “Ayiti Nan Batay” has emerged as one of the most prominent World Cup-themed releases.

Combining the iconic 1974 Twoubadou-inspired soccer anthem “Zim Pim Bo” and the Boukman Eksperyans carnival classic “Kè M Pa Sote” from the 1990s, Coles released the song on May 29. Her video drew over 121,000 views, propelled by fans applauding the blend of contemporary Haitian sounds and traditional roots while celebrating Haiti’s culture and determination. Her song’s title — “Ayiti Nan Batay” — reflects both the team’s competitive spirit and the country’s broader struggles and perseverance.

“It is a rare national moment capable of transcending political divisions, geographic boundaries and the daily challenges facing Haitians both at home and abroad,” Ayiiti told The Haitian Times.

Other artists emphasize other aspects of Haiti and its children, from the land’s paradisiacal beauty to world-class achievements across all domains.

“Set It Off,” for one, is a polished visual feat that features sweeping views of Haiti’s hidden-in-plain-sight gems — making it one of the most widely circulated World Cup songs. The song by Hantz “T-Ansyto Maestro” Mercier Jr., Sidney “Sincerely Suav” Kelly and “Afriken an” is multilingual and includes global social media darling, Ariana Milagro Lafond — choices that highlight the Haitian population’s diversity, youthfulness and innovative spirit. One recurring theme is breaking barriers and proving doubters wrong — sentiments that resonate deeply with Haitians who feel their country is shown gratuitously in crisis and hardship versus Haitians’ determination and accomplishments.

Another single receiving much acclaim comes from Tadia Toussaint, the influencer and musician marketer. Her “Amweyo” featuring Shabba about doing your best and achieving excellence is used in the GAP & Brooklyn Circus fashion collection ad.

Combining the iconic 1974 Twoubadou-inspired soccer anthem “Zim Pim Bo” and the Boukman Eksperyans carnival classic “Kè M Pa Sote” from the 1990s, Coles released the song on May 29. Her video drew over 121,000 views, propelled by fans applauding the blend of contemporary Haitian sounds and traditional roots while celebrating Haiti’s culture and determination. Her song’s title — “Ayiti Nan Batay” — reflects both the team’s competitive spirit and the country’s broader struggles and perseverance.

“It is a rare national moment capable of transcending political divisions, geographic boundaries and the daily challenges facing Haitians both at home and abroad,” Ayiiti told The Haitian Times.

Other artists emphasize other aspects of Haiti and its children, from the land’s paradisiacal beauty to world-class achievements across all domains.

“Set It Off,” for one, is a polished visual feat that features sweeping views of Haiti’s hidden-in-plain-sight gems — making it one of the most widely circulated World Cup songs. The song by Hantz “T-Ansyto Maestro” Mercier Jr., Sidney “Sincerely Suav” Kelly and “Afriken an” is multilingual and includes global social media darling, Ariana Milagro Lafond — choices that highlight the Haitian population’s diversity, youthfulness and innovative spirit. One recurring theme is breaking barriers and proving doubters wrong — sentiments that resonate deeply with Haitians who feel their country is shown gratuitously in crisis and hardship versus Haitians’ determination and accomplishments.

Another single receiving much acclaim comes from Tadia Toussaint, the influencer and musician marketer. Her “Amweyo” featuring Shabba about doing your best and achieving excellence is used in the GAP & Brooklyn Circus fashion collection ad.

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