Under The Sun

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In the aftermath of Haiti’s massive quake, dozens of artists have written songs about the disaster. Some, by big name artists, have helped raise millions of dollars in relief money. Others have been geared towards raising Haitians’ spirits.

This piece, by WLRN and Under the Sun contributor Ruth Morris, showcases two songs written by artists here in South Florida. One is by the group MaWon. It’s a song about rolling up your sleeves and moving forward, and MaWon was about to release it right before the earthquake hit. They held off, as Haitians mourned their dead, but now it’s gained special significance.

Another song, by Jazz musician Joe Donato, adapts lively Haitian rhythms in a call for help. Donato got the idea for the song after texting a $10 donation to Haitian relief efforts, and telling himself: “That’s not enough.”

He suggests that music, especially the upbeat tempos of compas, has the power to divert our attention away from suffering.