Overview:
Richard Duroseau, a grasp accordionist and key determine within the improvement of konpa dirèk, died in New York at 85. His musical profession spanned a long time and continents, influencing generations of Haitian artists.
Richard Duroseau, a defining pressure in Haitian music whose accordion introduced konpa dirèk to life, died in New York on the age of 85 on June 23, 2025. His passing marks the top of an period for Haiti’s musical id.
“You possibly can’t say konpa dirèk and say you don’t know Maestro Richard Duroseau,” pianist Jocel Alméus informed The Haitian Instances. “It’s an enormous loss.”
“We misplaced a whole encyclopedia. Richard was very prolific. He was very inventive. He left his fingerprints on konpa dirèk. He’s a legend, we didn’t need to lose him,” Alméus added.
Many in the Haitian community, together with music lovers, musicians, historians and consultants, mourn the lack of Duroseau and pay tribute to his enduring legacy.
Born in 1940 and raised in a household of musicians and instrument makers, Duroseau confirmed early indicators of expertise and self-discipline. As a young person, he joined Ensemble aux Calebasses, which might later change into Orchestre Nemours Jean-Baptiste, one of many founding ensembles of konpa music. He grew to become identified for translating rhythm into layered musical preparations, serving to to form a style that might outline generations.
Duroseau later shaped Richard Duroseau et Son Orchestre, a gaggle that included authentic members from Nemours Jean-Baptiste’s circle. The ensemble’s album, one of many first Haitian data bought in Japan, expanded konpa’s attain far past the Caribbean. Its lineup included Ulrick Laguerre, Leconte Ville Valex, Michel Laraque, Bobby Raymond, Kruetzer Duroseau, Frank Duroseau, Liautaud Domingue and Kedner Rimpel, with visitor appearances by Tico Pasquet and André Dejean.
All through the years, Duroseau carried out with influential bands together with Mini All Stars and Ska-Shah #1. In New York, he grew to become a fixture within the Haitian music scene, performing in native venues and constructing bands that included his brothers and fellow musicians. His function went past the stage, as he typically guided youthful musicians and handed down foundational information of konpa’s construction and spirit.
He additionally accompanied famend Haitian artists similar to Joe Trouillot, Raymond Sicot and Maryse Coulanges, including depth and texture to their performances. His work preserved the important qualities of konpa even because the style developed and crossed borders.
In 2015, he was awarded the Nationwide Order of Honor and Benefit by the Haitian authorities for his cultural contributions.
Duroseau’s legacy lives in each his music and the paths he paved for different artists. His affect will be felt within the rhythms of Port-au-Prince, in Brooklyn’s dance halls and in each nook of the diaspora the place Haitian music lives on.
Duroseau’s household has not but introduced particulars about his upcoming funeral. Nevertheless, they guarantee that the dates for his funeral and official memorial shall be shared by Haitian group networks, and everyone seems to be welcome to take part.