The Haiti Jazz Foundation is a private non-profit organization based in Port-au-Prince (Haiti) and in Miami (Florida) dedicated to raising the level of the Haitian music industry using Jazz music as a tool. The foundation provides access to continuing professional musical and technical trainings, supports musical education, accompanies the development of young professionals offering them various platforms of visibility and employment, promotes musical activities, preserves Haiti’s musical heritage, and serves as a channel for the diffusion, evolution, and promotion of creole jazz in Haiti and abroad and organizes the annual Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival (the PAPJAZZ FESTIVAL).
Joël Widmaier, President. Production manager of Radio Metropole, composer of over 70 jingles, producer, artistic director, editor, Radio France International award recipient … for over 20 years, Joël Widmaier is above all a sound lover. During his broadcasting and sound engineering studies in the States, he starts to compose the first Zèklè tracks, band that he has created in 1981, which after 4 LP has greatly participated in the evolution of Haitian music. Today, Joel’s mission through Haiti Jazz Foundation is to be a driving force for the evolution and promotion of kreol jazz in Haiti and abroad.
Fabrice Rouzier, Vice President. Composer, producer, founder of Mizik Mizik band. Rouzier has produced many artists such as Wanito, TiFane, Jean Bernard Thomas, the two Haïti Troubadour LP and has collaborated with Tabou Combo.
Milena Sandler, General Manager. Expert in cultural project management, she is also Vice-President of Ayiti Mizik, Haitian association of music professionals and co-owner and manager Wellcom’ a PR and event planning agency.
