Oral history interview with Harry Azemar

Harry Azemar, known as Rameza in the music world, spoke about his migration to the United States, including why he was reluctant to come to the United States; his first year in the United States, including learning English and enlisting in the United States Navy; living in New York City, including going to night clubs and the Haitian community; typical Haitian fashion attire and style in the late 1970s; his experience in the US Navy; and how and why he arrived in Washington, DC. Azemar spoke about his relationship with his mother; his wife, who is also Haitian; what soccer means to him and attending soccer games; the Haitian community in Washington, DC; his experience as a coordinator for the "Today and Tomorrow" program, which taught teenagers how to succeed in the United States; how he would teach Haitian youth to assimilate in the new culture while keeping them in touch with their Haitian roots; and being a solo musician without a band. Azemar explained how music is the rhythm of a culture, specifically spoke about music in Haiti and South Africa; the relationship between music, what is happening in a country, and the people of a country; different kinds of Haitian music, including instruments and Haitian bands; how his interest in music developed when he was young, and then as new immigrant in the United States; how he developed as a musician and transitioning from the guitar to the electronic keyboard; the difference between performing with a Spanish band versus a Haitian band; the connection between music and politics; how music supports learning and education; and why some Haitians do not listen to American music. Azemar also spoke about writing his own music; performing in front of an audience; the demographics and size of the audiences; where he performs; the types of music he plays; his relationship with other Haitian musicians in Washington, DC; musicians who have influenced him and how; visiting Africa in the mid-1970s; the radio stations he listens to in Washington, DC; Haitian, calypso, soca, Spanish, African, and French music; different types of Haitian dance; and Haitian Carnival. Azemar described his experiences with vodou ceremonies, the Protestant church, and the Catholic church in Haiti when he was young. He also explained the relationship between vodou and nature, and vodou practices and beliefs. Azemar also described the values and characteristics of those who live in the countryside versus the city in Haiti. He also detailed some of Haitian history, including Haitian revolution and independence. Interview is in English. The interview concluded with a musical demonstration by Harry Azemar. Digital audio files include white noise and static; there is more static during the musical demonstration. Interviewee's voice is intelligible.