Konbit (also spelled coumbite) is a Haitian Creole term for a Creole word for co-operation. [1] A Haitian traditional form of communal working group in a sociopolitical sense. [2] Commonly used as an agricultural group, [3] political action, community patrol, arts and dance groups. Similar to barn raising in North America. [4] A related type of communal work is a kóve. [4]
The Spanish word "convite" is used in the Dominican Republic in a somewhat similar way. [5] The word "convite" means invite, a board or "junta" in that context. [6]
The term is used in the names of some Haitian and diaspora NGOs, and even of several Haitian political parties.
| Native name | Haitian Creole: Koumbite |
|---|---|
| Genre | Haitian Vodou |
| Origin | Kingdom of Dahomey dokpwe |
| Related dances | Rada Rite (Zepaule, Nago, Mahi, Ibo) |
It can also refer to a style of Haitian music and dance associated with work parties, [7] [8] possibly being a form of influence on Rara music, [9] and the sense of solidarity has also been compared to that of hip-hop culture. [10]
Kombit dans (Dance troupes) perform at all facets of events and festivals of society.