( CNN ) -- Few people can forget the moment quake victim Anna Zizi , 69 , was dragged from the rubble , singing at the top of her voice , her face caked in dirt and debris . Amidst the heartache and anguish brought by the devastating earthquake , music has proved a source of comfort for Haitians at home and abroad . Those living in France , in particular , say the sounds of kompa help bring their hearts closer to home and soothe their souls . `` For Haitian people , kompa music is like a cure . It helps us to forget stress and the bad times in life , '' said Original H , a popular Haitian kompa group in Paris , in a statement emailed to CNN . `` Even in the saddest moments Haitian people always sing . Haitian people always laugh . Their hearts hurt , but they really want to continue to live , '' said Michel Marchand , presenter of `` Kompa Boulevard , '' a program on France-based Radio Espace FM . Kompa musician Mikael Guirand of the celebrated band Carimi felt the power of his music first-hand . Guirand was in a meeting in the Digicel tower in Port-au-Prince , the country 's tallest building , when the quake struck . He made it out unharmed , but his family 's home and his father 's business were both destroyed . Despite the overwhelming despair that followed , Guirand told CNN that devastated fans threw their arms around him in the streets , overjoyed to see musicians like him had survived . `` To have people with no home crying to see that we made it alive is insane , '' Guirand said . `` That shows how highly they value the music ... it gives them hope . '' In France , kompa musicians are now rallying for their homeland and performing in charity concerts . `` Since the tragedy we 've participated in several events and projects to raise funds including ' A Gesture for Haiti ' , '' said Original H. That event brought together leading French artists , including renowned singer Charles Aznavour , to produce a special song and music video . `` We have all family and friends in Haiti , and most of us have lost someone . It is an unforgettable disaster and sometimes we feel helpless for our nation , '' Original H told CNN . Radio Espace and KompaParis.com , a Web site dedicated to kompa , are now helping lead the way organizing and promoting several festivals in France . In the days after the earthquake both groups also used their sites and broadcasts to help Haitians in France find family back home . The popularity of kompa music in France bodes well for the success of these upcoming events . Radio host Marchand thinks one of the key reasons is because of kompa 's exuberant , live performances . `` Kompa is very popular in France , '' he said . `` It 's because Haitian people play live music , not just in a studio , or to sell it on a shelf . '' Kompa music is considered an integral part of Haitian culture , first emerging on the Caribbean island about 60 years ago , distinguishing itself from the Dominican Republic 's brand of merengue , both in spelling and in style . The Haitian meringue is nearly identical to the Dominican merengue but it is a slower tempo and is usually performed in a minor key . Fans describe it as a jazz derivative with pulsing beats , twisting rhythms and soulful Creole singing . `` Kompa is a genre of Haitian music invented by saxophonist Jean-Baptiste Nemours , derived from the meringue and close to calypso , '' explained Vanessa Francklin of KompaParis.com . `` Kompa wants to be open , warm and festive . [ It has ] bold brass , heavy bass , very inspired guitars , keyboards and percussion sounds with fire , '' she continued . `` The music is honest , vibrant , and has things to say . This is the music of a people that has long suffered and still suffers , '' she finished . As Kompa 's profile grows worldwide , many of its musicians are hoping it will not only now help raise funds , but cast Haiti in a more positive light . Bands are also writing special songs dedicated to disaster relief , including Tabou Combo , one of the more famous kompa bands in Haiti , their new song is called `` Haiti Will Never Die . '' `` A lot of people are getting to know who we are as Haitians through our music , '' added Guirand . `` We are not only miserable as you see on TV . Our music shows we are rich in culture . '' Stephanie Busari contributed to this article .
In France , Haitians turn to the sounds of kompa for comfort . Kompa musicians are organizing performances to raise funds for victims . Comment: