Mizikannou is Kreyol for "our music ". We are a Cap Haitian based artist and musician collective dedicated to the revival and preservation of Haiti’s captivating musical traditions. We are a group of friends, a family of different colors and tastes who have come together through a shared love for Haiti and the beauty of her sounds.

As a a band, Mizikannou has built a way of life, a sense of community, and cultural exchange that connects communities through storytelling and song. The artists of Mizikannou celebrate ancient traditions that have built resilience and strength in Haitian communities, despite the country's history of political upheaval and natural disaster.

Mizikannou is produced and managed by Rachel Sklar and Elektra Carras, two Americans that met while working in development in Cap Haitien. Music came up in one of their first conversations and before long their two woman band emerged playing shows with other musician friends in hotels and bars.

The core of Mizikannou took shape at a jam session in 2013 when musicians played their version of ‘Wongolo’, a Haitian Angolan-rooted folk song about ancestors for hours in a colorful one room bar by the sea. Then they played 'Ayiti Cherie', 'Rosemarie', and other traditional classics. The Mizikannou musicians share a feeling that Haitian traditional music is under-appreciated and not easily accessible. Together, they are determined to bring the musical roots of Haiti to the world, and establish appreciation and attention to Haiti's beauty.

We believe that music has a unique power to inspire the human spirit to create, express, and overcome adversity. Mizikannou's music, growing from deep Haitian traditions, are a beautiful expression of joy and resilience that we bring to you from the magical island beneath the sea. 

Special Thanks to:

Staci Fox: Videography and Photography

Lisa London: Video Editing and Video Production 

Charles Anthony, Steeve Valcourt: Recording

Audio Institute, Ishmael Mevs: Sound Engineering and Mixing

Godin Guitars and Arcade Fire: Acoustic Guitar Donations

 Zach Niles: Friend, Advisor

Drawing by Julia Livi