L'Orchestre Septentrional

Septentrional, Haiti’s Oldest Big Band Orchestra

L'Orchestre Septentrional was formed in Cap Haitien in 1948, from two small groups, the "Quatuor Septentrional" and the "Trio Symphonia". The original group of 7 members have grown to a big band numbering 18 members.

Septentrional, Haiti’s oldest big band orchestra, and its boule du feu (ball of fire) rhythm—born of the Haitian compas merengue-influenced beat, Vodou ritual rhythms and Cuban flavour gleaned from radio shows—never fails to bring Haitians to the dance floors.

Founded in 1948 by Maestro Hulric Pierre-Louis and six other young musicians, the group has survived dictatorships, unrest, and the onslaught of foreign music by fiercely guarding its musical independence and carefully commenting on Haitian life, love and politics.

Septent’s musicians have penned over 350 songs—with titles like The effects of liquor, Learn to struggle and Mini-skirt—in Haitian Creole and French.

As it was the case for most popular bands at the time, during the Francois Papa Doc Duvalier regime, Septentrional made the song  "President for Life". "President for Life" was an overnight success and perhaps assured the band’s survival during those years.

Today, Septentrional navigates through Haiti’s complex politics, deteriorating economy and a musical environment where only a few big band orchestras have outlived rap, ragga and today’s slicker compas, as well as the invasion of U.S., French and Caribbean music.

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