In an unexpected announcement that left fans stunned, Richard Auguste Morse, the iconic founder of the Haitian band RAM, declared his departure from the band on Saturday, November 9. Morse shared the news on his social media, writing, “I am writing to inform you that I am leaving the band RAM. RAM no longer exists. Thank you to Lunise, who is the greatest musical talent this country has ever known.” This marks the end of a legendary chapter in Haitian music, as RAM has been a powerful symbol of Haitian pride, resistance, and cultural heritage for decades.
For years, RAM captivated audiences with its groundbreaking fusion of traditional Vodou elements and modern rock influences. Morse and his longtime partner, Lunise Morse, co-founded the band in the early 1990s, creating a sound that transcended borders and earned RAM legendary status. Their innovative blend of Petwo drums, rara horns, and graj rhythms with electric guitars and rock arrangements gave birth to the genre known as Vodou rock, celebrating Haiti’s rich cultural heritage while reaching global audiences.
RAM, named after the initials of its creator, quickly became a voice of cultural resistance, drawing attention to Haiti’s social issues and honoring its deep-rooted traditions. Their songs, performed in Kreyol, French, and English, have addressed everything from Haitian identity to political and social challenges.
The band’s 1996 debut album was a defining moment for the roots movement in Haiti. Over the years, RAM’s powerful, spiritually-infused music has resonated with fans worldwide, representing resilience and unity amid hardship.
Richard Morse’s departure and RAM’s disbandment mark the end of an era for the roots movement and a profound shift in Haiti’s cultural landscape. Although RAM has concluded its journey, the legacy of Richard and Lunise Morse’s contributions to music and Haitian identity will continue to inspire future generations.
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