Chante ak Fofo (“Sing with Fofo”) is a fun way to learn the Haitian Creole language and Haitian cultural heritage through traditional Haitian Vodou songs & knowledge. This 7.5 hour course is designed to support Haitian Creole language learning through traditional and folkloric Haitian songs with Manbo “Priestress” of Vodou, Artist, and Educator Florencia Pierre. Prior to attending the course, students need to have some basic comprehension of the grammar structure, sounds, and vocabulary of Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen). Students do not need to have had any training as a singer. Students will need enthusiasm, determination, and commitment and will be guided through different aspects of language learning like speaking, reading, and listening comprehension. Class sessions will involve learning the background stories about songs, focusing on pronunciation to foster more advanced vocabulary acquisition, and actively improving on listening skills. The course will be conducted heavily in Haitian Creole, to facilitate an increased consciousness of the language. At the end of this course, students will be able to learn several songs in Kreyòl, learn about different Haitian divinity (the “Lwa”), and more. All relevant course materials will be provided by HCLI. Course will take place entirely online and a link will be sent out prior to class. A computer or smart device with a reliable internet connection will be needed to attend this course. Click “Register now” above for more information.

Who is Fofo?

Florencia “Fofo” Pierre is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, singer, actress, educator, and Manbo (priestess in the Vodou religion). Born in La Gonâve, Haiti, she was raised in Haitian traditional culture by her mother and became a renowned dancer, choreographer, vocalist, actress, traditional healer, and respected elder in the community. She was a principal dancer of the National Dance Theater of Haiti and the Vivianne Gauthier School of Traditional Arts, a faculty member of Nationale des Arts in Haiti, and the founder and director of the esteemed Institute de Danse JAKA in Pétion-Ville, Haiti where she trained dancers and musicians in Haitian traditional dances and theater for 20 years. She was featured in “Walking on Fire: Haitian Women’s Stories of Survival and Resistance” by Beverly Bell and Edwidge Danticat as well as “Anita” – the first movie produced in Haiti. Fofo had received many awards in Haiti and the U.S with the Vwazinaj Haitian Freedom Award 2021 as the most recent. Fofo has performed throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States and has dedicated her life to teaching the stories, songs, and rhythms that form the foundation of traditional Haitian culture. She is the AFOUTAYI Cultural Ambassador/ KAY FOFO & KAY ZAKA Founder.