Rara Machine

Rara Machine joined forces with Boukman Eksperyans to bring Haitian dance music before worldwide audiences. Percussionist and vocalist Clifford Sylvain directed the ensemble, delivering a potent mix of voodoo rhythms and the festive dance sounds heard at Carnival. An older brother who performed in the compas outfit Bossa Combo inspired Sylvain to pursue a musical path. His father, however, rejected the ambition outright and severed ties once Sylvain entered a neighborhood group. The first opportunity arose when Sylvain received an invitation to play congas with Bossa Combo at a state event arranged by Duvalier. The performance proved striking enough to secure him a permanent spot in the band. He went on to perform with the Ambassadors, the Scorpio Band, and Accolade. After relocating to New York, Sylvain enrolled in percussion studies at the Latin Rhythm School and received instruction from Mongo Santamaria and Franke Mabale. He spent a short time with the New York-based compas group Ska Skah before heading back to Haiti once Duvalier’s regime fell. Rara Machine came together soon after his return.