Alan Cave, the original lead singer of the Haitian band ZIN before going solo in 2002 known for his hit song “Sé Pa Pou Dat”, becomes the first Haitian artist to perform Haitian music live at Madison Square Garden.
Alan Cavé, the renowned Haitian-American singer and songwriter, made history on November 2, 2024, as the first Haitian artist to open with Haitian music live at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. The King of Konpa Love opened for French Congolese artist GIMS, marking a monumental milestone for Haitian music on the global stage.
Cavé, who rose to fame as the original lead singer of the popular Haitian band Zin before launching his solo career in 2002, captivated the audience with his signature smooth vocals and infectious konpa rhythms. The historic performance featured some of his biggest hits, including “Ma Rose,” “Nan Nannan,” and his chart-topping single “Se Pa Pou Dat”.
The event drew thousands of Francophone music fans, creating a vibrant celebration of African and Caribbean music. Cavé’s groundbreaking appearance at Madison Square Garden not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Haiti but also highlighted the growing global appeal of Haitian music genres like Konpa and Raboday.
In a statement to The Haitian Times, Cavé expressed his pride and excitement about this achievement: “Becoming the first Haitian singer to perform Haitian music at Madison Square Garden was a monumental milestone in my career and a deeply proud moment. I hope this achievement paves the way for greater global recognition of Haitian music & culture, while also inspiring the next generation of talented Haitian youth to dream big and aim high”.
This historic performance comes at a time when Afrobeats and French rap are gaining worldwide popularity, reflecting a growing embrace of Francophone and African-inspired music genres. Cavé’s appearance at Madison Square Garden not only cements his status as a Haitian music icon. This opens doors for future Haitian artists to reach broader international audiences.
As Cavé continues to bridge cultural divides through his music, his Madison Square Garden debut serves as a powerful testament to the universal appeal of Haitian sounds and the potential for Haitian artists to make their mark on the global music scene.
