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From Haiti to Chile, a Singer Bridges Styles – and Cultures

By Charis McGowan

With Haitian rhythms and Spanish lyrics, Ralph Jean Baptiste shows integration is possible for other migrants.

This article is adapted from AQ's special report on migration | Leer en español

SANTIAGO, CHILE — Escápate conmigo otra vez, sings Ralph Jean Baptiste in his Santiago apartment, over a demo track of slow R&B beats. His rhythmic Haitian accent deepens the melody of the Spanish lyrics.

Although born and raised speaking French Creole in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, Baptiste, 29, writes all...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.

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