Mushy Widmaeir
Mushy Widmaier is a “modern jazz” piano player, but one with a certain undertone of both Haitian folklore and European art music – but all of it as ingredients of a digested and unified whole sounding unmistakably as Him. Mushy is capable of fitting in with groups of almost any stylistic observance, and takes a most active and creative part in the proceedings. He seems to master a vast repertory, whether jazz standards, Haitian folk songs, popular dance music or originals.
Based mainly on a self thought theoretic knowledge Mushy may apply anything from slight harmonic embellishments to a complete reharmonization including all kinds of extensions, substitutions and passing chords following each other. He realizes the specific possibility of the keyboard, not only regarding harmony but the subtle percussive potential of the instruments is just as important. A significant characteristic of Mushy individual style is his ability to set moods, structuralize the solos, to built those improvisations on Harmony derived from the theme but most of the time not being a clear form of repetition of the theme framework. Sometimes even recreating original melody (in the interpretations of folk songs), sometimes surprising, sometimes witty, where, those lead to a complete remodeling beyond recognition that any song may undergo being exposed to his perception…
Listen to Mushy Widmaeir interview on this Episode of the mizikpam.com Podcast Lakou Miami!!
Sanba Zao
A pioneer of Haitian Roots Music, Mizik Racine, Sanba Zao is a performer, Singer/Song Writer, Educator, activist…. He has always fought for Roots and Racine music even when it was not popular and not really accepted in most Haitian households. He helped pave the way for bands such as Boukman Eksperyans who brought that genre of music to the forefront. He has devoted most of his life to education and training the intercity Haitian youth…
Listen to Sanba Zao Live in Studio @ WVUM in Miami on Lakou Miami:
Morikeba Kouyate
Morikeba Kouyate, Master Kora Griot
Morikeba Kouyate is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying performances and virtuosity with the traditional the Kora. The Kora is a 21- string instrument from the West African countries of The Gambia, Senegal, and Mali . It is an ancient instrument that is part of Africa’s rich spiritual music tradition. The Griot, or Jali, is the “Carrier of the Oral Tradition” and composed of Griot families among the Mandinka people. First of these families was the Kouyate family. Those histories and oral traditions were, and still are, passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.
Cortadito
Cortadito is a traditional Cuban Son Duo which focuses on performing the music of early Cuban origins. From Son Montuno to Boleros and Bolero Son, this dynamic duo brings you back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the airwaves. An era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing the world over. From time to time Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Ibrahima Dioubate
Ibrahima Dioubate was born In Guinea West Africa. His lineage is Griot (oral historians) and all his family members are musicians and singers. He has been playing the balafon since he was seven years old along with the Djun‐Djun, Bolon, Krin, Bote and other traditional instruments.
– Former member of Troupe Fatalla in the city of Conakry and Tempo Rhythmic directed by Mor Cire.
– Featured balafonist for the Gambia National Troupe and the Ballet Bougarabou in Senegal.
– Ibrahima managed and made balafons for his factory in Gambia. In Gambia he also had a music school called Sanyakunda and another in Senegal, called Karamba experience.
– He taught the Balafon, Djun‐Djun Drum and other percussion instruments to people from Germany, England, Japan, United States and other foreign countries.
– Traveled with the company Ballet Bougarabou from Senegal.
– He is currently the music and historical consultant for Delou Africa Dance Ensemble where he teaches traditional West African music.
– Ibrahima created Delou Fatala in February 2006. Delou is a Wolof word from Senegal, West Africa meaning, “return to” and Fatala means “village”.
– Member of Nag Champayons – Afro Caribbean Fusion group
– His aspirations are to educate, enlighten and teach traditional West African music. Ibrahima believes that music is the universal language that unifies different cultures.
Ibrahima is available for ceremonies, performances, lectures, private functions, etc…
Rara Kuyu and Universal Soul
Special Guests:
Ciceron Brothers
North Florida based Ciceron Brothers will be performing LIVE this year @ ZAKAFEST 2013.
Laurent, Mario, Serge and Jean Ciceron come from a legendary Haitian music family. Their legacy spans from generations of bands such as Magnum Band, Mini-All star, Odyssey-One …
Check out the Schedule to see when this Band is performing.
Youth Showcase:
The Little Saints
HaitiFellaz
H.B.K
North Miami DrumLine
Kiskeya Dance
Swamp Dog Steppers
