DESCRIPTION: Traditional Music of Haiti - Following the declaration of independence from France in 1804, the first "Black Republic" in the world was the site of a rich encounter between African and European cultures. Today the population is still largely rural and there is a deep divide between the city and countryside. There are differences of language (French / Creole), religion (Christianity / Voodoo), literacy and culture. Traditional music spearates into Voodoo, Music of festivals, recreation and daily life, and popular music.