Richard Duroseau, maestro of konpa and Haitian cultural pillar, dies at 85

Richard Duroseau, maestro of konpa and Haitian cultural pillar, dies at 85

Richard Duroseau, a defining force in Haitian music whose accordion brought konpa dirèk to life, died in New York at the age of 85 on June 23, 2025. His passing marks the end of an era for Haiti’s musical identity. “You can’t say konpa dirèk and say you don’t know Maestro Richard Duroseau,” pianist Jocel Alméus told The Haitian Times. “It’s a huge loss.” “We lost an entire encyclopedia. Richard was very prolific. He was very creative. He left hi…