Haitian Kompa In GTA 6 - Finally Giving Haitian Culture Its Due
That Moment When You Hear Your Culture
When the second GTA 6 trailer dropped, most people were focused on the stunning graphics or glimpses of gameplay. But for Haitian viewers, there was a moment that made many literally scream with excitement - the unmistakable rhythm of kompa music blasting through Vice City's streets.
The song "Child Support" by legendary Haitian band Zenglen wasn't just background noise - it was front and center, establishing the authentic Miami vibe that Rockstar is clearly aiming for in their recreation of Florida (or "Leonida" as it's called in-game).
Add to that the massive Haitian flag mural prominently displayed in what appears to be Vice City's version of Little Haiti, and it's clear that Haitian culture will play a significant role in the game world.
"Can't be in Miami and not feature ZBs 🇭🇹" as one commenter on reddit put it, highlighting how Zenglen's inclusion acknowledges the essential role Haitian immigrants have played in shaping South Florida's cultural landscape.
A Complicated History
However, for many in the Haitian community, the excitement comes with serious reservations. Rockstar Games has a problematic history with Haitian representation, most infamously in 2002's GTA: Vice City, which included a mission literally titled "Kill all the Haitians" (later changed after protests).
This wasn't just offensive language - it reflected a broader pattern in gaming where Haitians were consistently portrayed as violent antagonists without depth or humanity. As one commenter noted, "Three big games have already featured Haitian communities - GTA Vice City, Mafia 3, and Cyberpunk 2077. We didn't play the good part in any of them."
The protests against Vice City even reached New York City Mayor Bloomberg, who put pressure on Rockstar to change the mission title - highlighting how deeply hurtful this representation was to the diaspora.
Cautious Optimism
Despite this troubled history, there's cautious optimism about GTA 6. The respectful inclusion of authentic Haitian music, along with visual elements like the flag mural, suggests Rockstar may be taking a different approach this time.
Some fans speculate that the game might even feature a dedicated Haitian radio station, which would be a first for the series and could showcase more kompa, raboday, and other Haitian musical styles to a global audience.
There's also speculation about one of the game's characters, whose last name is Duval - potentially a nod to either Haitian heritage or to Duval County in Florida. If the character turns out to be Haitian with actual depth and complexity, it could mark a turning point in representation.
"What's clear is that a game that represents a fictional version of Miami included us. It makes me feel seen," wrote one commenter. "This game which will most definitely be around 80-100 USD will also expose these elements to a lot of people who don't know who we are other than the fact that 'Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.'"
Beyond Stereotypes
The concern many Haitian gamers express isn't about inclusion - it's about the nature of that inclusion. As one commenter put it: "Every time, Haitians are seen as violent people who can't be trusted. And also vodou. Vodou everywhere..."
While other ethnic groups in games often get complex portrayals with both good and bad characters, Haitians have historically been flattened into one-dimensional villains. Compare this to the way Italian, Irish, or Japanese characters in games often follow a "gangster with a code of honor" archetype that allows for more nuance.
There are positive examples of Haitian representation in gaming, though they're rare. Overwatch's Baptiste is frequently cited as a well-rounded Haitian character, and some point to Red Dead Redemption 2's portrayal of Haitians assisting in the overthrow of a sugar plantation as a step in the right direction.
Wait and See
For now, the Haitian gaming community seems to be taking a "wait and see" approach to GTA 6. As one gamer wrote: "I'm of the camp of waiting for the game to come out and see how Haitians and the Haitian diaspora is represented in game... And if it does paint us in a poor light, then we should raise attention and speak against Rockstar. Right now, it's just too soon."
Whatever direction Rockstar takes, the inclusion of Zenglen's music and visual nods to Haitian culture represents at minimum an acknowledgment of the community's presence and influence. For a game that costs over $1 billion to develop, these choices aren't made lightly.
When GTA 6 drops in Fall 2026, millions of players worldwide will be exposed to the rhythms of kompa music, potentially for the first time. That cultural exchange alone is meaningful - now we just have to hope the rest of the representation follows suit.