FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, December 10, 2024
Honoring our music and embracing our culture is something that is vital to the advancement of our community. The Haitianbeatz (HB) annual event is always an extraordinary event that targets to address both endeavors. In past years, the event has highlighted community leaders, as well as showcase our musical talents and upcoming artists. That is part of the vision that our co-founder Jean Price Vixamar always had for HB. The “experience” as he used to refer to this event, is an all-encompassing cultural extravaganza to uplift and showcase us, Haiti in all its beauty. JacobinNoir as so many called him, others drop the Noir and just call him Jacobin/Jaco, while close friends call him Jean. I call him my brother, best friend, my mon konpè and he was also my business partner and co-founder of Haitianbeatz.com continues to live within me and all aspect of HB.
This year marks HB’s 16th Anniversary which will sadly be celebrated without Jaco’s physical presence. Jacobin shocked us when he left this physical earth on December 26, 2020. As he would’ve have insisted, we will continue to celebrate HB. This year marks HB’s 16th anniversary, and although Jaco is not with us physically, but we know he is forever present in our minds and spirits.
As we continue to fulfill our mission to showcase our music and culture, it is in that spirit that we at HB have created an award in Jaco’s name, it is the Jean Price Vixama Award. This award ts given to individuals or organizations who embodies the spirit of Jaco, and has shown tremendous dedication to the advancement of the Haitian Music Industry and culture.
This year’s recipient of this prestigious award that we started last year is Cynthia Karaha. The event will to be held on Saturday December 21st, at the famous Melrose Ballroom , located in Queens.
Cynthia Karaha is not a musician, but she is a pioneer in the Haitian Music Industry. She has opened doors and provided her expertise to many in the Haitian Music Industry. She has worked in various capacity with some of the well-known musicians and other aspect of the Haitian culture.
Cynthia Karaha is a dynamic and versatile figure in the arts and fashion industries. Her multifaceted career spans artist management, music and dance promotion, event production consulting, creative direction, apparel design, and activism. She is also the founder of World Music Promotions, an organization dedicated to global artistic endeavors.
Early Influences and Achievements
Cynthia’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her family heritage. She is the niece of the late Dada Jacaman, the former impresario of Haiti’s iconic mini-jazz band Shleu Shleu. Immersed in this creative environment, Cynthia honed her knowledge of the music and visual arts industries from a young age.
Her trailblazing career began at just 13, when she organized concerts in Haiti to fundraise for underprivileged children and disabled people in Bel Air. By 16, she was producing major cultural events, including the first breakdance competition at the REX Theatre and co-producing Haiti’s inaugural Rap Kreyol concert alongside the legendary Master DJI. These milestones solidified her reputation as the first female and youngest promoter in Haiti.
During that time, she also created costumes for theatrical productions and festive events like carnival. Cynthia Karaha attended College Marie-Anne in Haiti, where her love for entertainment was nurtured, allowing her to organize various cultural events at the school. She studied Haitian folkloric dance with Viviane Gauthier, ballet, jazz, and tap at the Haitian American Ballet School in Haiti, and was self-taught in breakdancing. She continued her dance education in the U.S., adding hip hop, vogue, and African dance to her repertoire.
Upon arriving to New York in 1983, Cynthia sought refuge from the political turmoil in Haiti, which had made her life unsafe. The escalating instability forced her to leave her homeland, marking the beginning of her journey as an advocate for her community in a new country. She quickly recognized her calling to be an active participant in supporting Haitian community. She began by volunteering at local Haitian offices like Wilson Desir’s office, where she assisted with community programs and learned how to organize impactful protests and initiatives. Cynthia also worked tirelessly to help Haitian women better understand their rights and navigate challenges in the US. 1990, she participated in a march to push back against the United States government’s characterization of Haitians as a risk factor for AIDS epidemic organized by the group H.E.A.R. Throughout the years, Cynthia Karaha has been a steadfast advocate for her homeland, tirelessly organizing fundraising events to support the people of Haiti during times of crisis. Whether responding to the devastation caused by hurricanes or the aftermath of earthquakes, Cynthia mobilized resources and rallied communities to provide critical aid. Whether organizing events, advocating for social justice, or mobilizing resources for those in need, Cynthia's leadership and vision are undeniable. She often works behind the scenes but make no mistake—she is a formidable force.
In late the 80’s, Cynthia wanted to understand the entertainment business, so she immediately immersed herself in New York's nightlife, promoting various events at iconic venues such as Nell’s, Sound Factory, Limelight, Palladium, Tunnel, Roxy, MK’s, and Studio 54. Initially, she worked primarily with American DJs like Jellybean, Louis Vega, and DJ Tony. Being a dance performer made it easier for her to integrate rapidly into the night scene, which led to dance gigs with Madonna, Prince, and Downtown Julie Brown on MTVand many other artists. Over time, she began incorporating Haitian DJs, such as Master DJI, as well as Haitian live bands like Lakol and Phantoms, into the Manhattan music scene.
Educational Background
Cynthia began her academic journey as a Pre-Med student at York College, studying Biology and Computer Sciences. However, her passion for creativity led her to pivot towards fashion, earning a degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). She also studied marketing, advertising, promotions, and entertainment management to further her expertise.
Contributions to Fashion and Apparel
Cynthia’s talents extend beyond the performing arts to the fashion industry, where she has made significant contributions as a designer for renowned brands such as Converse, Everlast, MTV’s The Grind, Fila, and Champion. She served as the VP Design Director for Wilson Sporting Goods apparel for 11 years, specializing in activewear, tennis apparel NFL and NBA merchandise. Her designs consistently blend functionality and creativity, showcasing her innovative approach.
Endeavors
For over 44 years Cynthia’s love and commitment to present Haitian music, dance and culture to a broader audience has allowed her to produce and stage many major world class events such as creative director of Lakol “Ole, Ole” music video aired on MTV International and nominated for best Caribbean Music Video (1992); Boukman Eskperyans’ (Grammy nominee) documentary aired on MTV (1993); Phantoms at Roseland (1994); Creative director and promoter of Lataye at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Cafe (2005); Executive producer of Phantoms performance at Limelight aired on MTV (2006). Cynthia also worked as a creative and stage producer for many Caribbean events at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Roseland, Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, Prospect Park, Central Park Bandshell and Carnegie Hall. As an entertainment consulting manager and promoter, she worked with artists like Master DJI, Papa Jube and the Jubelation, Rara Machine, Kajou, Skandal, Sakaj, Phantoms, Zin, Lakol, Djevo, Eddy Francois, Boukan Guinan, Zhea, Lataye, Dadi Beaubrun, and Kai etc. While launching her career as an active apparel designer for “MTV’s the Grind”, she had the opportunity to work on sets with artists/actors as Eric Nice, Ananda Lewis, Julie Brown, Shabba Ranks, Patra, Madonna and many more.
On World Music Day June 21, 2003, Cynthia launched her own promotion company World Music Promotions aims to continue promoting Caribbean and Afro music artists at an international level. World Music Promotions continues to be an outlet for underground talents to share their music with the world through event planning, grass roots promotions and marketing. She believes that creating a company that fosters a nurturing relationship within the community is essential in promoting the Haitian culture at a global level.
World Music Promotions offers support in different capacities from promoter, artist development and event production consultant for clients like Kassav (French Caribbean), Stevy Mahy (Guadeloupe), Taj Weekes & Adowa (St Lucia), Emeline Michel (Haiti), Paul Beaubrun & Zing Experience (Haiti), Dola, La Nuit Des Jeunes concert (2013) and Kai just to name a few. World Music Promotions’ mission is to open doors for Caribbean arts and entertainment “Keep the Music Moving.” World Music Promotions specializes in artist career development, talent management consulting, album release planning, promotions, and stage production. Cynthia is currently working with Haitian-international social conscious singer/composer BélO’s as general manager. BélO is the winner of the Radio France International "Découvertes" Award (2006). She is also the manager and visual director of Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm Haitian folkloric dance company (since 1994). She has worked diligently with these two artists to help promote and share with the world the beautiful culture of Haiti through music, song, and dance. They both have performed in many countries around the world including Germany, Italy, Romania, France, South Korea, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, China, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Guadeloupe, Mali, Senegal, Brazil, Chili, Argentina and more. World Music Promotions recently signed Paul Beaubrun to the roster.
AWARDS
Cynthia won many awards for her work, creativity, and designs, including Came International (design), Sears“Vendor of the year and Design” award (Wilson sporting goods apparel), SGB Media Award for “MTV the Grind’s”. She also received alongside Nadia Dieudonné, the “Caribbean Life IMPACT AWARDS 2016” forFeet of Rhythm's kids' cultural program, Konbit, which aims to preserve the rich culture of Haiti by educating and exposing children to Haitian heritage through the performing arts.". and a Citation Award from Mayor Di Blasio (2016) for commitment to Haitian youth. For her long-time work with Phantoms and the Haitian diaspora community, Cynthia received Citation Award from President of the Borough of Brooklyn Eric Adams (2020), Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (2020) and Senator Kevin S. Parker (2020). She received the “INNOVATOR AWARD” from Opa Foundation INC (2022).
Legacy and Vision
Cynthia Karaha’s lifelong mission is to uplift Haitian culture, provide platforms for underrepresented artists, and foster community development through music, dance, fashion, and activism. Her journey exemplifies adaptability, vision, and dedication across diverse industries, ensuring Haiti's vibrant legacy resonates globally.
“Nobody else is so deserving of this Award than Cynthia, we’ve worked in many projects together, there are not to many people you would want at your side when the going gets tough, Cynthia is that person you want by your side.” stated Moise St Louis, Co-founder of Haitianbeatz.
It is only befitting that the 2ndst recipient of the prestigious Jean Price Vixama Award be an individual who embodies Jaco’s love for music and culture. She has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to promote the Haitian Music Industry and the Haitian culture. Cynthia Karaha is living that legacy and a well-deserved recipient of this award. We ask you to join us on Saturday December 21st, at Melrose Ballroom to help celebrate this special moment.
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