Traditional, with additional music by Monvelyno Alexis and Markus Schwartz
Arranged by Markus Schwartz and Monvelyno Alexis
This traditional ceremonial song is typically played over the Petwo rhythm. The Kata pattern, an iconic 5-stroke phrase (played over two pulse beats, thus repeated twice in a standard 4/4 measure) is the basis of many popular Haitian rhythms, including Konpa, Petwo, Rara, and Banda among many others. Working from this starting point, I began experimenting with extending the Kata feel over a 5-beat grouping, creating the 5/4 groove employed in the B section of this track.
Kay O | This house | ||
Kay Sa | This house is my House of Spirits | ||
Se Kay Lwa’m yo | Take me away | ||
Mennen’m ale | Take me home | ||
Kote yo konnen mwen | To where they know me |