PRODG Entertainment Promotions

PROFILES

Louis Elneus
Founder of HLD

Richard Jeanty
Author & Entrepreneur

Leslie Demangles
Author & College Professor

Danielle Legros-George
Haitian Poet & Autor

Margaret Papillon
Haitian Author

Myrtelle Cherry
Haitian Artist & Painter

Carole B. Joseph
Mass Bay Community College President

Gashford Guillaume
Mozayik Drummer

Pascale Auguste
Haitian Association Against Cancer

Andy Jacques
Haitian Fashion Designer

Phillip J. Brutus
State Representative

Yvecar Momperousse
Haitian Student Alliance

The Maroons
Haitian Writers & Poets

Evans Thesee
Founder HaitianConnection.com

Abdias Charles
Founder of Repair Haiti.org

Mecca AKA Grimo
Haitian Hip Hop Artist & Activist

Fania Simon
Writer, Lecturer & Activist

Nadege Fleurimond
Owner of Fleurimond Catering

Interview: Mecca AKA Grimo

		Mecca AKA Grimo, a New York born Hip-Hop Haitian artist has recently released his 4th LP entitled "Boat People". Mecca who discovered his passion for music at the tender age of 7 has remained faithful to his roots due to his upbringing. He has been very successful performing in all three languages, and that's a credit to his parents and how they raised him. In his latest endeavor, He finds himself expressing his love for the island of Hispaniola and the history behind its inhabitants.
Mecca, I thank you so much for granting us this honor. I know you have been very busy lately promoting this new album, and here at Prodg Entertainment Promotions, we are very grateful.

Blake Seide: The name Mecca aka Grimo, how did you come up with it?

Mecca: The name Mecca came from me always being at the center of all that was happening. If something was popping off I was there so my peoples labeled me "Mecca" - The Center, The Holy Place. When I started representing in Creole I wanted a name to identify more with the culture. Grimo came to mind and it just stuck!

Blake Seide: You're both an actor and musician, is there a correlation between the two?

Mecca: They are 2 different entities but they relate to each other. I started acting because I became popular on the scene with the music I was doing. With Gods blessings the acting venture went well for me. It could've dictated which direction my career would've gone. Now I'm taking acting classes to assure my situation as an actor. It's a new and exciting opportunity for me.

Blake Seide: You were recently featured in an Indie Film entitled "Kidnappings", talk to me about the movie, why such a title? And do you think those who were impacted by the 'kidnapping movement' would be willing to go see or buy the movie? Why should one buy or see the film? Where will it be promoted? Can the movie help somehow with the situation in Haiti?

Mecca: Just like here in the states when there is a current event that is affecting our society they make documentaries out of it, they make films and so forth. Haiti's culture is not like that. They hide the ills of our society and that's why the criminals are able to prosper. No one is putting them on blast. No one through the different means of medium are looking for a solution. The film was manifested because of the devastating situations all of us were hearing about. So to shed light on the matter, we made a movie about it. I believe that those affected by the kidnapping situation would be more sensitive and probably not want to re-live this dreadful event in their lives. At the same time it is a movie that sheds light on what's going on with certain issues in Haiti and how it is plaguing our country. The movie is out on DVD now. It can be supported at: www.MECCAakaGRIMO.com

BS: What will carry this movie outside of the Haitian Market?

Mecca: The issue is not just a Haitian issue. It is an international issue. This is going on in a lot of countries right now so the topic is not just for Haiti but for the world to see also.

BS: Let's change gear a bit. Talk to me about your recent work, "Boat People? How did you come up with that? Do you think people would take offense to such a theme or title?

Mecca: As a brother of Haitian descent I feel I am more than qualified to elaborate on such a stereotype that I used to be ridiculed with when I was younger. The album "Boat People" is a conscious Spoken Word compilation. I came up with the title to depict the journey of our people. We are all boat people for that matter. The early explorers traveled by boat. Columbus himself came to our Island by boat. Ignorance is what causes the stereotypes to exist. The Album breaks the boundaries and it also has a great sound.

BS: Who are some of the people you work with on this album?

Mecca: "Boat People" is produced by Kauvon, A very talented musician who I took pride in working with. The album also has some features from Mac 30 & Underscore from The Maroons, Natty Dread, Abiodun Oyewole from the Legendary Revolutionary Last Poets, Caheej aka Master Say Say, Kauvon, Brian Pratt from the Live Poets Society & Sista Flo

Continue with Mecca's interview...