|
 RHODEE
BIO
"I grew up in Belize, but Yurumein is my homeland."
The Garifuna Artist, Rhodel "Rhodee" Castillo, does not like
to territorialize himself. First and foremost he is a proud Garifuna,
raised in the coastal Garifuna communities of Hopkins Village and Dangriga
Town in the Central American country of Belize.
"My mother has always been the biggest influence in my life."
At a tender age, Rhodee’s musical experience took a life of it’s
own within the cradle of his Garifuna culture. He was inspired to be a
singer/artist by family members, local musicians and performers. Musicians
such as Joseph "Joe Thump" Castillo, Junior Aranda, Paul Nabor,
"Gabaga" Williams, Perfecta "Mass" Ramirez, a grand
aunt, and many others who serenaded the community during the holiday seasons.
Throughout the early years, Rhodee continued to develop his own style
with the early teachings of author and poet Marcella Lewis. With her guidance
he performed with the Children’s Cultural Group at the Annual Garifuna
Settlement Day Events.
During his teen years, Rhodee continued to listen to many of these local
artists that later included Pen Cayetano, founder and creator of a new
and innovative sound which is today called Punta Rock.
Rhodee began performing with local bands fine tuning his musical talents,
and in the meantime had began listening to international artists, Reggae
poet, Mutabaruka, Bob Marley, Isaac Hayes, Jimmy Cliff, Marvin Gaye, Alpha
Blondy and many others.
"I want to educate the world about Garifuna"
After graduating from Belize College of Arts and Science and Technology
(BELCAST), Rhodee immigrated to the United States in 1986, and graduated
with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University, two years
later. In 1994 he received a Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University,
also in Chicago, all the time keeping his heart and mind close to his
Garifuna roots.
Rhodee co-founded the Progressive Garifuna Alliance (PGA), an organization
dedicated to the preservation and the advancement of the Garifuna Culture
worldwide. Under Rhodee’s strong leadership, the PGA’s contributions
to the Multi-Media Exhibit, The Garifuna Town Meetings, and the Annual
Chicagoland Celebrations of Garifuna Culture, with proceeds benefiting
the communities in Belize, have been very successful. Rhodee also contributed
as a consultant and artist to “The Garifuna Journey”, a documentary
film by Andrea Leland and Kathy Berger. This film opens with Rhodee’s
poem “Our Children Must Know”, demands that the truth to be
told about the Garifuna history. The screening of this film at the Chicago
Field Museum’s African History Series Program opened the eyes of
many new admirers and brought a profound respect for the Garifuna history
and lifestyle.
"My knowledge is your teacher through my music."
With a humanitarian concern for social issues affecting the world community
and the Garifuna culture in particular, Rhodel “Rhodee” Castillo,
has created a compilation of music with a new innovated rhythm blended
with a Garifuna tradition. So with a mixture of Punta Rock, a touch of
reggae beats, a pinch of soul, and all heart, IN EXILE, is a one-of-a-kind
event not to be missed.
So sit back, relax, listen and WAKE UP!
-Dino Malcolm
|
