"Haiti I am Sorry", or simply "Haiti", is a calypso song written and composed by David Rudder, and first recorded in 1988 for the album Haiti by David Rudder and Charlie's Roots. The song, which begins with the words: "Toussaint was a mighty man/ and to make matters worse he was black...", is a tribute to the glory and suffering of Haiti, and was described in the AllMusic review as "a remarkable ode to Caribbean unity".
Personnel Musicians David Rudder – lead vocals, harmonica, concept, writing, backing vocals Pelham Goddard – keyboards, conducting, drum programming, percussion Louis Junior Wharwood – guitar, backing vocals Tony Voisin – guitar B. J. Cameron – bass, backing vocals Emmanuel Ector – bass Carver Stevenson – saxophone Leopold Washington – saxophone Edward Elliott – trombone Haydn Robin – trumpet Mike Lindsay – trumpet Vonrick Maynard – drums Colin Stephen – percussion, congas Vernon Headley – percussion, congas Carl Jacobs – backing vocalsProduction Joe R. Brown – producer, arrangements Charlie's Roots – executive producer Eric Michaud – engineering Ellis Chow Lin On – management Roy Boyke – artwork Atlas Advertising Agency – design
Impact The song has been credited with having in 1988 "brought impoverished Creole-speaking Haiti to the attention of the English-speaking Caribbean", and is frequently referenced in connection with ongoing political and environmental problems in Haiti."‘Haiti’ sung by David Rudder", When Steel Talks, 2008. It was selected by Margaret Busby as one her eight musical choices on Desert Island Discs in June 2021.
See also June 1988 Haitian coup d'état September 1988 Haitian coup d'état
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