André Déjean Dies at 75: Haitian Kompa Loses One of Its Great Legends

A legend of Haitian kompa has fallen silent.
André Déjean, the iconic trumpeter, composer, and arranger of the Frères Déjean, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Florida, at the age of 75.
Born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, he was a founding member and one of the key figures of the Frères Déjean. For decades, he helped shape the sound of Haitian mini-jazz and contributed to the evolution of kompa across generations.
His compositions, including “Marina,” “Débaké,” “Bouki ak Malice,” and “Arrêté,” became timeless classics. His trumpet solo on “Marina” remains one of the most recognizable musical signatures in Haitian kompa.
His career also connected generations of Haitian musicians. He performed alongside Arly Larivière with Nu-Look and contributed his trumpet to projects involving international artists such as Wyclef Jean.
André Déjean leaves behind an extraordinary musical legacy that will continue to resonate throughout Haiti and the Caribbean.