Rara Machine

Along with such bands as Boukman Eksperyans, Rara Machine helped to spread the dance music of Haiti to the international stage. Led by percussionist and vocalist Clifford Sylvain, the group served an infectious blend of voodoo rhythms and the popular dance music played at Carnival. Influenced by an older brother who played in compas band Boffa Combo, Sylvain dreamed of becoming a musician. His father, however, strongly inhibited this dream, disowning him after he had joined a local band. Sylvan's first break came when he was invited to play congas with Boffa Combo at a state function hosted by Duvalier. His playing was so impressive that he was asked to join the group on a permanent basis. Sylvain subsequently played with the Ambassadors, the Scorpio Band, and Accolade. Emigrating to New York, Sylvain studied percussion at the Latin Rhythm School, taking lessons from Mongo Santamaria and Franke Mabale. After performing briefly with New York-based compas band Ska Skah, he returned to Haiti following the overthrow of Duvalier's oppressive government. He formed Rara Machine shortly after his return.