Ricardo Felisme is many things: a preacher, musician, friend, and Haitian. But, above all the island-born artist is an agent of love and grace. Born in Haiti and raised by conservative Baptist parents, Ricardo is no stranger to religion. In fact, he himself is a preacher of the word of God. But, unlike many of the traditional Christians in today’s society, the up and coming artist feels compelled to reach everyone – regardless of race, creed, or religion.
He’s come a long way from Port Au Prince, where he could be found as a young child sitting on his grandfather’s lap, listening to the choir sing and the melodic sway of the accordion his grandfather skillfully played. But while Haitian gospel was the backbone of his musical upbringing, modern classics like the crooning voice of Whitney Houston on the radio would creep its way into Ricardo Felisme’s influence, inspiring him to go after a fun, modern style of music. His sound is a fusion of his Haitian upbringing – the up-tempo rhythms that inspiring dancing and coy island flare – and American influence with roots in hip hop and jazz. This unique genre, a style the artist calls “Griot Soul” is music that reaches into the core. It’s what Ricardo describes as “a sound for everyone.”
There’s no denying that Ricardo’s deep faith in Jesus leads him in his musical journey. The artist comes from a long, long line of preachers, after all. Ricardo, however, is not a preacher in the “traditional sense.” Ricardo Felisme’s music translates the love and power of Christ “without the trappings of religion,” explains the artist.
His newest single, entitled “Angel Musik,” embodies that very philosophy: The love of Jesus triumphs over any religious ideology, and that means it can span the world with its message and applies to everyone. One might suspect that’s exactly how Jesus intended his word to be spread – with love, grace, music… and a little fun. That’s exactly what listeners will get in Ricardo’s newest song.
The song has a laid back, joyful attitude with a powerful and important message. And ultimately, Ricardo Felisme isn’t afraid of having a little fun. The video, which fans can view on YouTube, is a near-parody of the flamboyant and sometimes over-the-top aspects of the church. Haitian Baptists, in particular, are notorious for their colorful and showy performances at the pulpit, which is something Ricardo pays homage to in his music video.
“It’s basically a song that says I don’t need anything but Jesus,” Ricardo said. “You don’t necessarily have to see this as Gospel. My music is open to and relates to an agnostic point of view as well.”
Twitter: @rfelisme
