CD Review: Boulpik's 'Konpa Lakay'

Boulpik
Konpa Lakay
Lusafrica

Boulpik is a Haitian group that resurrects the konpa musical style of the 1950's for a new generation. Konpa is a dance music that incorporates meringue music. This is not your typical meringue music; instead, Boulpik, which means "bullseye," produces a raw, organic, and country sound made from banjos, manoubas, and percussion with vocals. The mood of the music is very joyous and the instrumental arrangements are earthy and and enjoyable to say the least. This may have roots in folk music, but konpa, meringue, and Afro-Caribbean dance elements are the primary influence. The songs are in Haitian Creole and possess and strong nostalgic-tinged repertoire that blends perfectly with contemporary vocals. The tropical-infused, "Je Reviens Chez Nous," highlights the Canadian influence with a ballad not indigenous to Haiti. Overall, Boulpik hits the bullseye with Konpa Lakay. ~ Matthew Forss