Vodou Roots

The expression is bandied about too easily, but artist Jude Papaloko Thegenius truly fits the definition of a renaissance man: His bright murals grace the walls of popular tourist destinations like Mango’s Tropical Café on Ocean Drive, he makes fabulous furniture, he runs his own charity organization -- Papaloko4Kids --...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

June 22, 2006

Audio By Carbonatix

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The expression is bandied about too easily, but artist Jude Papaloko Thegenius truly fits the definition of a renaissance man: His bright murals grace the walls of popular tourist destinations like Mango’s Tropical Café on Ocean Drive, he makes fabulous furniture, he runs his own charity organization -- Papaloko4Kids -- and in his off time, he is the high priest of vodou pop. With his band Loray Mistik, Papaloko has made beautiful music for the past seventeen years. Their sound is equally influenced by West African roots, reggae, calypso, and bossa nova.

“I created a gumbo of everything. It’s Haitian rhythm, but there are so many others,” the artist explains. Besides the beat, Jude’s music is lyrically driven, tackling issues such as poverty and socioeconomic strife. Even those who have never heard Papaloko’s unique fusion have likely felt his rhythms. Papaloko is the man behind the perennially popular drum circles that meet in Miami Beach under every full moon. “It’s about harmony, to create a rhythm together. Music can heal people,” he muses. Celebrate the seventeenth anniversary of Papaloko and Loray Mistik tonight at 9:00 at Jakmel Art Gallery. Call 786-312-5947, or visit www.judepapaloko.com.
Sat., June 24

Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

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