CAP-HAÏTIEN — Many Haitian music enthusiasts across the globe were left devastated after hearing the news of the death of Jude James Fortuné, one of the greatest Haitian pianists of all time. Fortuné, a former pianist for Orchestre Tropicana d’Haiti, died on Dec. 10, following an illness at his home in Cap-Haïtien, according to several local media outlets. He was 64.
“He’s one of the best Haitian pianists,” Valéry Nelson posted on Facebook. “And he’s the only Haitian musician who played with two hands in everything, any sound system. I haven’t seen this at all from any other Haitians.”
It is unknown which illness Fortuné suffered from. The Haitian Times reached out to the family for comment. Fortuné’s former band, Tropicana—one of Haiti’s most prestigious and organized musical groups for 61 years, declined an interview request from The Haitian Times for personal reasons. However, the band posted a note on social media on Dec. 13 about Fortuné’s death, stating that the pianist was first hospitalized due to his illness but later sent back home.
“We feel dazed and drained of all our essence since yesterday evening. We could not even share the news. “After his hospitalization, our “bòs” began to recover in a very beautiful way. While we tirelessly awaited his return among us, fate decided otherwise.”
Orchestre Tropicana d’Haïti
“We feel dazed and drained of all our essence since yesterday evening. We could not even share the news,” the note reads. “After his hospitalization, our ‘Bòs’ began to recover in a very beautiful way. While we tirelessly awaited his return among us, fate decided otherwise.”
A key figure in the Haitian cultural scene, James Fortuné has left his mark on several generations with his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. As a member of the Tropicana band for over 30 years, he has helped shape the group’s musical identity through his masterful performances, boundless enthusiasm, and passion for music creativity.
Fortuné, affectionately known as Bòs Boubout, joined Tropicana in 1984. He initially played for the band for free for two years before becoming an official member in 1986. Fortuné went on to play for Tropicana for over three decades, charming scores of Haitians with the sound of his piano, according to Tropicana.
Fortuné was often calm when he played and appeared to do so effortlessly. The only dynamism from his body when he stood on stage was from his fingers, which used to race on his keyboard. At times, Fortuné also slowly danced while playing the keyboard on stage. He wore glasses while playing and rocked the bald-headed look that matched his shaved face. Haitian music fans deeply missed that face on stage after Fortuné retired in the early 2020s but now have to learn how to cope with an even worse reality: the fact that he is gone forever.
“Rest in peace, Boubout,” Patrick Belhomme commented on Facebook. “You always showed love and respect every time I had the chance to see you. I pray that God gives his family, all of his friends, all of the Tropicana fans, all of the people in the North, in Cap-Haïtien, strength during this loss.”
The soothing sound of Fortuné’s keyboard was an essential component of Tropicana’s music during his time with them. The band even said that he was the one who used to “electrify” its carnival cart. Fortuné not only heavily contributed to Tropicana but also to Haitian music as a whole. Some of the Tropicana hits in which Fortuné best displayed his talent are “Opa Loka” and “Kenbe Diyite w,” Creole for “Hold Your Dignity.”
“In my spirit, you were one of the biggest gifts Haiti had to offer. I thank Him because he made me live in the period with you. You gave our country pride.”
Rowdy Brien, A Music Fan
Outside of music, Fortuné was a businessman and manager. He directed the treated water company Culligan for 14 years. He was also an electrician and an appliance repair technician who fixed refrigerators. According to Tropicana, all of the band members were his clients.
While fans mourn Fortuné’s death, they are deeply grateful for the opportunity to see and hear him play.
“In my spirit, you were one of the biggest gifts Haiti had to offer,” Rowdy Brien, a fan, commented on Facebook. “I thank him because he made me live in the period with you. You gave our country pride.”
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