Haitian DJs Are Changing NYC’s Dance Scene

By Haitianbeatz.

New York's dance floors are pulsing with Haitian beats in 2025. From DJ Stakz to Tonymix, these DJs have taken the energy of the Haitian Music Industry and brought it to clubs, arenas, and even events across the globe. My own son, living in Hawaii, just told me about DJ Stakz lighting up a crowd there—proof the influence is going far beyond Brooklyn or Queens.

It's not just the bands anymore. Haitian DJs are now front and center, shaping what people hear and feel at every party. Artists like Michael Brun fill venues like Barclays Center on their own, something bands still strive for. The roster keeps growing: Luke, Heavy, Esalar, Marz, Gardy Girault, NICKY MIX, Manito Nation, and more. Their music, style, and presence are changing what it means to dance in NYC today.

The sound of Haitian music in New York has changed a lot over the years. Where bands once ruled the stage, DJs now drive the party. It hasn’t always been this way. In the early days, Haitian music struggled for space, squeezed between salsa clubs, soca parties, and mainstream American pop. Local bands hustled for gigs at small clubs in Brooklyn and Queens, trying to grow their reach. Today, as star DJs fill up arenas and export those infectious beats everywhere from Miami to Hawaii, it’s clear the HMI (Haitian Music Industry) in NYC has turned a major corner.

Haitian music’s early NYC scene centered on live performances by full bands. Acts like Tabou Combo and Skah Shah, System Band, Zin, Phantoms worked hard to get attention, lugging equipment up narrow club stairs and hoping the crowd would show up. Band leaders had big personalities, packed stages with instruments, and pushed Kompa and other rhythms in front of new audiences. But success came slowly. Venue owners didn’t always “get” the sound, and competition for spots was fierce. Many bands stayed local, playing mostly for the Haitian community.

Everything changed as DJs began to headline events. DJs broke down physical barriers, making it easy to set up anywhere—from a backyard party to a massive club. With laptops, controllers, and streaming, they could spin hits all night, adapting quickly to what the crowd wanted. DJs also started creating their own edits and mixing in hip hop, pop, and afrobeats, reaching beyond the traditional fan base. Suddenly, those same venues that hesitated before were booking DJs who could fill a room in minutes. The shift gave Haitian music a new face and a new sound, connecting old-school fans with a young, global audience.

The flavor of Haitian music in NYC is never just one thing. Today’s DJs jump between genres, reshaping the classics and bringing new energy to every set. Here’s a look at the main styles lighting up dance floors:

• Kompa: The backbone of Haitian party music, Kompa is smooth, keyboard-driven, and easy to dance to. DJs like Tonymix rework Kompa standards with bold intros, fresh samples, and new basslines, mixing them alongside international tracks.

• Rabòday: Rabòday is wilder, louder, and built for wild parties. DJs take the pounding drums and electronic layers and remix them, boosting the tempo and throwing in effects that fire up the crowd.

• Afrobeat and Hip Hop blends: Many Haitian DJs break down the walls between Caribbean genres and global pop. They blend Kompa or Rabòday with afrobeats, hip hop, and even reggaeton, making sets unpredictable and fresh.

• Old school meets new school: Some DJs drop rare vintage tracks, only to flip right into new hits, keeping older generations celebrating while showing new crowds where these sounds began.

By remixing, blending, and updating these genres, Haitian DJs in NYC keep the music alive, exciting, and always ready for the next party. The result is a dance scene where every sound gets a chance to shine, and the best nights are just getting started.

Haitian DJs have moved from the background to the spotlight, with influence stretching far beyond New York. Their beats, energy, and social presence now shape parties and festivals on a global scale. Each DJ brings a unique flavor, breaking barriers, connecting communities, and paving bold new paths for the Haitian Music Industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the names making waves in New York’s ever-changing dance scene.

DJ Stakz: The Bridge Builder

DJ Stakz is more than a local favorite—he’s a connector, turning every event into a journey between cultures. Known for energetic shows and a deep sense of community, Stakz mixes Haitian sounds with hip hop, afrobeats, and pop, adapting his set to any crowd. His ability to draw big names and curate major parties has made him a staple at events from Brooklyn to Miami, and even as far as Hawaii.

What stands out about DJ Stakz is his effort to turn every gig into a cross-cultural celebration. His strong presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok gives fans a constant line to his newest mixes, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal humor. This online connection tightens his bond with fans while keeping Haitian rhythms in the global conversation. Whether he’s at a NYC rooftop party or opening in another state, DJ Stakz never misses an opportunity to make Haitian music impossible to ignore.

DJ Tonymix: Innovating Rabòday

If you’ve danced to a pounding, electronic Haitian drum beat in recent years, you’ve probably heard DJ Tonymix. He’s become the face of modern Rabòday, a sound built on driving beats and rowdy, contagious energy. Tonymix takes the essence of Rabòday and blends it with electronic dance music, creating supercharged tracks that get even the toughest crowds moving.

Tonymix is not afraid to experiment. He mixes Rabòday with synths and global club influences, introducing new listeners to a genre once considered underground. The result? Songs that thrive on both Haitian independence day block parties. DJs across the US now mimic his style, while Tonymix’s own albums and singles rack up massive streams. He’s proven that Rabòday isn’t just for Haitian audiences anymore—it’s now part of the world dance soundtrack.

Michael Brun: From Clubs to Barclay’s Center

Michael Brun’s story is about breaking limits. Once a DJ at small local clubs, he’s now sold out Barclays Center on his own—something no Haitian band in NYC has done. Brun mixes his Haitian heritage into every set, turning Kompa and rare grooves into festival anthems. His events feel like homecomings, with crowds of all backgrounds waving Haitian flags and singing along.

Collaboration is at the heart of Brun’s journey. He’s worked with major global artists and brought together talents from Haiti, Africa, and the US. His annual Bayo tour has become a magnet for anyone who loves high-energy parties. Beyond music, Brun speaks openly about cultural pride and gives back to communities in both NYC and Haiti. When you see Michael Brun on a lineup, you know something special is about to happen.

Rising Stars: DJ Luko, DJ Heavy, DJ Esalar, and More

The new generation of Haitian DJs brings even more styles and ambition to the scene. Some of the most talked-about names include:

• DJ Luke: Master of blending Kompa, soca, and hip hop. Known for fresh remixes and club residencies all over NYC.

• DJ Wakine: A veteran in the HMI scene, dated back when he helped created regular weekly gigs dated back since La Détente restaurant in Queens where he held a weekly event.

• DJ Franky: Who helped created one of the first DJ Coalition in NY “The Untouchables”

• DJ Heavy: Packs dance floors with bold Rabòday edits and fast transitions. His tracks are a go-to at Haitian parties in Queens and Brooklyn.

• DJ Esalar: Builds energy with layered beats and smooth transitions between old and new-school Haitian tracks. Regularly featured at mixed-culture events.

• DJ Marz, DJ Gardy Girault, NICKY MIX, Manito Nation: Each brings a unique twist—whether it’s deep house, afro-fusion, or mashups with Latin pop.

These  star DJs are fearless about jumping genres and playing cross-cultural events. Their popularity proves Haitian music’s future in NYC is in good hands. The dance scene is wide open, and every DJ on this list is moving it forward with style.

Haitian DJs are rewriting the rules of New York nightlife. Once seen as the hype men behind the decks, they’re now at the heart of every packed dance floor. Their flavor, flair, and musical choices are pushing the city’s club scene in bold new directions. Walk into any crowd, and you’ll spot the Haitian flag waving as Kompa, Rabòday, and smooth mixes keep everyone on their feet well past midnight. Here’s how Haitian DJs have truly become trendsetters.

NYC’s nightlife isn’t what it used to be, and a big part of that change comes from signature Haitian parties and DJ-led events. These are no longer just community get-togethers—they’re must-attend nights for anyone who loves to dance and mingle.

Whether it’s Labor Day weekend or a random Saturday, you’re just as likely to hear a Kompa breakdown as you are a pop chart hit. Haitian DJs have made their nights a must in NYC’s nightlife calendar, and everyone wants in.

The influence of Haitian DJs doesn’t end in Haitian circles. They’ve exploded into the mainstream, collaborating with hip hop, R&B, Latino, and pop artists, much like DJ Khaled has in the global music scene.

What was once local is now global. Haitian DJs break into new markets and collaborations, their influence popping up everywhere from arenas to block parties across all five boroughs. They’ve shown that Haitian music isn’t just part of the background—it’s front and center, leading the vibe for the whole city to follow.

Haitian DJs have taken their beats far beyond the city limits of New York. Their sets echo in Miami, light up clubs in Paris, and move crowds as far away as Honolulu. This new wave isn’t just representing Haiti or New York—they’re turning Haitian rhythms into a global soundtrack. When you see Michael Brun fill up Barclays Center or DJ Stakz headline in Hawaii, it shows just how far these sounds travel. These DJs are now cultural ambassadors, shaping the mood of parties and festivals wherever they go.

Social media and streaming platforms have changed the game for Haitian DJs, opening doors that once seemed closed. Years ago, reaching listeners in another country required radio play or expensive tours. Now, a single remix or live set can go viral overnight.

Haitian DJs have mastered the art of using digital channels to extend their reach. Here’s how they’ve built international clout:

• Instagram and TikTok dominance: DJs like Stakz and Tonymix regularly post highlights, crowd shots, and exclusive mixes. Fans share these moments, sending Kompa and Rabòday across continents in a matter of hours.

• YouTube live sets: Michael Brun’s Bayo tour gets streamed to fans everywhere—Paris, Miami, even Tokyo. The comments fill up with greetings in French, Spanish, and Creole. Each show is more than just music. It's a shared global event.

• Streaming power: Spotify and Apple Music playlists now feature the latest Haitian DJ tracks. Songs that once played only at Brooklyn block parties become anthems in cars and clubs worldwide.

• Direct fan connection: DJs engage with listeners through comments, live chats, and DMs. Fans from places like Brazil or London request shoutouts, collaborations, and custom mixes. This real-time feedback drives DJs to experiment and connect even deeper.

This digital-first approach allows Haitian DJs to grow their audience fast. A set in Paris can look and feel like one in Queens, thanks to the online world. Organizers in Miami, Toronto, or even Honolulu book Haitian DJs after seeing their viral clips and live stats. The world is smaller, but the party is much bigger.

By combining their talent on stage with smart use of digital tools, Haitian DJs have created a bridge from New York to the world. Their music is no longer limited to the five boroughs. Now, whether someone is dancing in a Parisian basement, a Miami club, or a resort in Hawaii, there’s a good chance Haitian beats are pulsing through the speakers. The sound has become global, and the reach is only getting wider.

The earning power and business status of Haitian DJs in NYC has jumped to new heights in just a few years. Once seen as the sideshow to big-name live bands, DJs now drive events and sometimes out-earn full groups in the Haitian Music Industry (HMI). This shift brings fresh ways for DJs to make money and build their brands, reaching far beyond the dance floor.

Today’s top DJs use a smart mix of gigs, endorsements, releases, and merch to turn their music into a growing business. Earning $2,500 for a single gig would have seemed wild for most Haitian DJs just five years ago, but it’s now common among the headline acts.

Here’s how many Haitian DJs grow their brands and their bank balance all at once:

For today’s Haitian DJs, music is only the starting point. Those who understand how to blend gig income with a strong personal brand, smart partnerships, and digital reach build large, lasting businesses. The HMI now treats DJs as headliners, trendsetters, and entrepreneurs all in one—a status that’s rewritten the rules on who can own the stage and the spotlight.

Haitian DJs have raised the bars and set new rhythms for New York and far beyond. They have turned the HMI into a global force, filling arenas, breaking into new markets, and uplifting Haitian identity at every turn. Their work proves the power of culture shared across borders, from packed New York clubs to viral sets reaching fans in every time zone.

The doors they’ve opened mean possibilities for the next wave of artists. Bands, DJs, and producers are now part of a worldwide movement, not just a local scene. As the music keeps spreading, the energy and pride of Haiti will keep echoing in cities everywhere.

I Report, you decide