Overview:
The Haitian music trade (HMI) is in deep sorrow and mourning after the loss of life of Jude James Fortuné, a famend pianist and a pillar of the distinguished band Orchestre Tropicana d’Haiti for over three many years. Fortuné left behind a useful musical legacy. His passing is a major loss and devastating to his colleagues, admirers, and the numerous followers of the legendary Tropicana band, which was fashioned on August 15, 1963.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Many Haitian music fanatics throughout the globe had been left devastated after listening to the information of the loss of life of Jude James Fortuné, one of many best Haitian pianists of all time. Fortuné, a former pianist for Orchestre Tropicana d’Haiti, died on Dec. 10, following an sickness at his house in Cap-Haïtien, in accordance with a number of native media shops. He was 64.
“He’s top-of-the-line Haitian pianists,” Valéry Nelson posted on Facebook. “And he’s the one Haitian musician who performed with two arms in every little thing, any sound system. I haven’t seen this in any respect from another Haitians.”
It’s unknown which sickness Fortuné suffered from. The Haitian Occasions reached out to the household for remark. Fortuné’s former band, Tropicana—one among Haiti’s most prestigious and arranged musical teams for 61 years, declined an interview request from The Haitian Occasions for private causes. Nonetheless, the band posted a note on social media on Dec. 13 about Fortuné’s loss of life, stating that the pianist was first hospitalized on account of his sickness however later despatched again house.
“We really feel dazed and drained of all our essence since yesterday night. We couldn’t even share the information. “After his hospitalization, our “bòs” started to get well in a really lovely manner. Whereas we tirelessly awaited his return amongst us, destiny determined in any other case.”
Orchestre Tropicana d’Haïti
“We really feel dazed and drained of all our essence since yesterday night. We couldn’t even share the information,” the observe reads. “After his hospitalization, our ‘Bòs’ started to get well in a really lovely manner. Whereas we tirelessly awaited his return amongst us, destiny determined in any other case.”
A key determine within the Haitian cultural scene, James Fortuné has left his mark on a number of generations together with his distinctive expertise and dedication to the humanities. As a member of the Tropicana band for over 30 years, he has helped form the group’s musical id by means of his masterful performances, boundless enthusiasm, and keenness for music creativity.
Fortuné, affectionately often called Bòs Boubout, joined Tropicana in 1984. He initially performed for the band free of charge for 2 years earlier than turning into an official member in 1986. Fortuné went on to play for Tropicana for over three many years, charming scores of Haitians with the sound of his piano, according to Tropicana.
Fortuné was usually calm when he performed and appeared to take action effortlessly. The one dynamism from his physique when he stood on stage was from his fingers, which used to race on his keyboard. At occasions, Fortuné additionally slowly danced whereas taking part in the keyboard on stage. He wore glasses whereas taking part in and rocked the bald-headed look that matched his shaved face. Haitian music followers deeply missed that face on stage after Fortuné retired within the early 2020s however now must learn to address a fair worse actuality: the truth that he’s gone ceaselessly.
“Relaxation in peace, Boubout,” Patrick Belhomme commented on Facebook. “You at all times confirmed love and respect each time I had the prospect to see you. I pray that God offers his household, all of his buddies, the entire Tropicana followers, the entire individuals within the North, in Cap-Haïtien, energy throughout this loss.”
The soothing sound of Fortuné’s keyboard was an integral part of Tropicana’s music throughout his time with them. The band even mentioned that he was the one who used to “electrify” its carnival cart. Fortuné not solely closely contributed to Tropicana but additionally to Haitian music as a complete. Among the Tropicana hits through which Fortuné finest displayed his expertise are “Opa Loka” and “Kenbe Diyite w,” Creole for “Maintain Your Dignity.”
“In my spirit, you had been one of many greatest items Haiti needed to provide. I thank Him as a result of he made me dwell within the interval with you. You gave our nation pleasure.”
Rowdy Brien, A Music Fan
Outdoors of music, Fortuné was a businessman and supervisor. He directed the handled water firm Culligan for 14 years. He was additionally an electrician and an equipment restore technician who fastened fridges. In line with Tropicana, the entire band members had been his shoppers.
Whereas followers mourn Fortuné’s loss of life, they’re deeply grateful for the chance to see and listen to him play.
“In my spirit, you had been one of many greatest items Haiti needed to provide,” Rowdy Brien, a fan, commented on Facebook. “I thank him as a result of he made me dwell within the interval with you. You gave our nation pleasure.”