Emmanuel Civil is the Director of the Konpa Akademi in Haiti, where he manages the staff, curriculum, operations, and also teaches drums and music theory. ​

Born and raised in Cap-Haïtien, Emmanuel has a passion for Konpa music and its transmission to younger generations. He began his musical studies at CEMUSHCA, where he developed as a percussionist and discovered a passion for applying modern music theory to Haitian traditions.

Emmanuel’s professional life has spanned teaching, performance, and community organizing. In Cap-Haïtien, he has worked with several active musical ensembles, taught privately, and been active in organizing cultural events. In Cabarete’s Academia de Bachata, Emmanuel worked for two years as leader of the Konpa percussion program, before returning to Cap-Haïtien to establish Konpa Akademi. 

Originally from Russia and France, Alina Korotyaeva has a strong passion for Caribbean music and dance. She brings extensive experience in financial control, auditing, and project management.

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Based in the Dominican Republic, Alina is responsible for finance and information systems, while also supporting the general administration and organizational development of the programs. She also actively contributes to the growth of Konpa Akademi in Haiti.

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In collaboration with a local dance instructor, Alina launched the dance program, which includes free bachata classes for children in Cabarete and stage dance classes for members of the Bachata Academy’s musical groups.