03/11/2025
Dominica’s Cultural Ambassador and Creole advocate Leroy “Wadix” Charles has been named a Recognition Award Recipient at the 10th Annual Haitian Music Awards (PHMA), scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Lipman Performing Arts Theater in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Charles will be honored with the Kompa Recognition Award, celebrating more than four decades of unwavering commitment to cultural exchange and the promotion of Creole heritage. His work has been instrumental in strengthening ties between Dominica and the Haitian kompa community, and in elevating the shared rhythms and traditions of the Creole world.
“I am elated and deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Charles said. “This award is dear to me because it represents a journey of unity, one that connects Dominica and Haiti through music, language, and shared cultural identity.”
The Haitian Music Awards is a premier event recognizing excellence in Haitian music and culture. It celebrates the achievements of artists, cultural leaders, and visionaries who have significantly contributed to the global promotion of Haitian music, particularly the kompa genre.
Charles joins a distinguished group of honorees, including Robel Shalu of Top Vice—who nominated him—Cubano of S**t, DP Express, Jacot Serge Rochelle of Schlesler, Tat Lacoll, and other legendary figures in kompa music.
Throughout his career, Charles has actively fostered connections between Dominica and the Haitian community. He has served as Public Relations Officer of the Dominica Haitian Association, promoted Haitian Flag Day in Dominica, and championed initiatives that celebrate Creole language, music, and identity across the Caribbean and its diaspora. His contributions through Creole Heartbeat, the World Creole Music Festival, and various cultural collaborations have helped amplify Creole culture on a global scale.
“I extend the heartbeat of thanks to Kirby Lavier and the PHMA Committee, the City of North Miami Beach, committee members, cultural leaders, Francisole and Wanikoli, WCMF, DBS Radio, and the Creole family in Dominica, Martinique, and Guadeloupe who have walked this journey with me,” Charles added.
As he prepares to accept the award, Charles remains committed to his mission of uniting Creole communities through music, language, and cultural pride.
Founded to honor excellence in Haitian music, the PHMA has become a cornerstone of cultural celebration for Haitian communities across the Americas and beyond.
