From time immemorial, Haitian women have put their bodies on the line to free Haiti. They have done so despite – and perhaps in spite of – a society that praises them as its poto mitan while simultaneously silencing and erasing them; a society that calls them wozo, only to alleviate its guilt as it continually abuses them.

With such influence and a highly visible platform, the lyrics of Carnival songs are particularly impactful. This is why this year’s songs by Power Surge and Mass Vokal are particularly problematic.