The athletic coach Larry Bird once said, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” The artist known as Mecca aka Grimo is such an individual. An actor, he has starred in films like Kidnappings, and acted in the stage morality tale “When Good Men Are Tempted”. With the artist’s participation in that theater production, he wants well-intentioned husbands and boyfriends everywhere to know that he sympathizes with their struggles to remain true to their spouses and significant others.
A life coach—Mecca aka Grimo motivates students living in the inner cities about self-esteem, character-building, and settling conflicts without having to resort to weapons or fists. A community leader, he devotes himself to Children’s Hope Chest of Dreams, a non-profit he created.
A spoken-word artist, he creates relatable and meaningful rhymes that promote pride and self-reliance. As a hip-hop artist, he bounces with natural swagger in the video “We Dem Zoes”, alongside fellow rappers Stichiz, Grimass, Jimmy Dade, and Billy Blue.
Ask around, and you’ll be told that Mecca aka Grimo is considered one of the pioneers of an earlier wave of the genre known as Hip-Hop Kreyol.
K. St. Fort: How is Mecca the artist different from Mecca the man? Or are they interchangeable?
They used to be different before I learned how to balance both. I am the same person on stage that I am when I am home. With the work that I feel I was sent to do, it would be a diservice to myself, my family and my community if my art and my personality were not merged. My art form is an extension of me and my vision.
K. St. Fort: What are you most proud of when it comes to your career?
I am most proud of embracing my culture at the early stages of my career when it wasn’t so popular to be Haitian. I also worked in the school system so again my art and what I did in the classroom fit together to send that message of positive identity and self esteem in young Haitian children that were ashamed to be called Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian and thrilled to leave a legacy for my family to look back at.
K. St. Fort: Were you really into music in high school?
I was into music since eight years young. My father played in a band with his four brothers. The frequency grabbed my attention at an early age. Since then, I’ve been involved in music and entertainment in one form or another.
K. St. Fort: Hip-hop plays a huge role in your community work. How come?
Well, it’s what I know how to do. I stay in my lane. The hip-hop culture has been an intricate part of who I am for most of my life. Actually, hip-hop saved my life, so I feel like it can do the same for others. It gave me identity and the reason I’m doing what I’m doing now, which is using entertainment to promote education. I look at the youth in my community and realize they gravitate to the hip-hop culture just as I do. Since I’ve been through trials and tribulations of my own I feel it’s necessary to use my experiences to warn, teach and give different direction to what may be harmful. Hip-Hop workshops help the youth to communicate and stay engaged, so I use it as a tool to promote confidence, communication and Knowledge.
K. St. Fort: If you had a little brother who was graduating high school right now, and wanted a career similar to yours, what would you tell him?
I would tell him to learn a skill. I would advise him that the behind the scene people make all the money. That producers make more money than the artist. So don’t just be an artist but produce your own show. Don’t just rap for yourself but write and produce for other artist as well. Don’t just act—but direct and produce your own idea—then copyright it.
Surrounded by the actresses from the stage play, “When Good Men Are Tempted”…
K. St. Fort: What do you enjoy creating the most…music, poetry or motivational speeches?
I enjoy each in their own element. That is why I’ve submerged myself in all of it.
K. St. Fort: And what do you like about each?
I love music because lyrics and music working in harmony to promote a message is an enlightening experience. To be able to make people dance and move with material you created. I love poetry because there are no limitations or pace as to what I want to say or when I say it. I feel free when I recite my spoken word and poetry pieces. My motivational speeches come from my experiences, so it’s only right I share what I’ve been through so the youth of today have a brighter outlook on their direction in life.
K. St. Fort: When was the last time you took a trip to Haiti?
I went to Haiti in 2009 right before the earth quake. I haven’t made it back yet but I have a planned trip coming in Dec 2014 to be more involved in educational projects involving the youth. There is so much good happening in Haiti right now and I applaud all of what’s taking place for the betterment of the country.
K. St. Fort: Are you one of those people who make five-year plans?
I try to create short-term and long term goals for myself but my schedule fluctuates often. My goals get shifted to other plans. I have an acoustical engineering degree but I’ve been so involved in the school system I’ve been advised to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education and minor in Mental Health. You’re probably saying both have nothing to do with music or acting, but I create music and theater curriculum that help in those areas. Art can be used as therapy if approached the right way.
Main Photo Credit: MeWe Photography; Costume photo: Johnny Louis Photography
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