VIVA NOLA APRIL-MAY 2021

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”Zydeco Star” A fusion of culturesStory by AnaMaría Bech@anamabechPhotography byCarolina HernándezCeballos wrote“Zydeco Star,” azydeco mixed withbachata and folkrockinfluences withlyrics in English andSpanish to honor theimpact of Rockin’Dopsie Jr. on theLouisiana genre.Zydeco superstar Rockin‘Dopsie Jr. collaborated on“Zydeco Star,” the latestsingle by composer FerminCeballos. The multi-talentedDominican artist based in NewOrleans will release Zydeco Staron April 24, the second single ofhis upcoming album, Bochinche.The idea for the collaborationcame after Ceballos met DopsieJr. in 2019 when he was giving aconcert with his merengue bandat a West Bank bar. “When hearrived, we were surprised, andI dared to ask him if he wantedto play a merengue with us. Hewent to the car and brought hiswashboard, and played withus. I remember that he loved it,and then he told me, ‘I wannado something with you, littlebrother.’”Although they ran into eachother at various festivals, itwas only until the 2020 FrenchQuarter Fest opening ceremonythat they had a chance to chatagain about the collaboration.This time, the busy scheduleof Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and theZydeco Twisters was clearingup as it was the early days ofthe pandemic that affected theband’s commitments in Europe.Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. grew up in amusical family from Lafayette,Louisiana. Although his firstinstrument was the accordion,the washboard is the signaturethat sets him apart. Thewashboard gave him the mobilityhe needs for his energeticperformances that includejumping up and down, doingsplits, and dancing in a way thatcaptivates an audience unable toresist dancing to his music.Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. has managedto spread the traditional musicof the Acadian Cajun region ofLouisiana worldwide. He hascarried on his father’s legacy, theKing of Zydeco, Rockin’ DopsieSr, and has brought this music tobroader audiences.For Fermin Ceballos, working onthis collaboration goes beyondtwo artists creating together. It’sa chance to bring the rhythmto other communities. Ceballoswrote Zydeco Star, zydeco mixedwith bachata and folk-rockinfluences with lyrics in Englishand Spanish, to honor the impactof Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. on thegenre.The process of creatingthe single took about eightmonths. The process happenedorganically. Ceballos witnessedthe professionalism and humilityof the renowned interpreter, whoallowed the composer’s creativefreedom. ‘We met at my home,rehearsed the lyrics, the music,and then we met in the studiowhere we recorded the song.”Fusing zydeco and bachatawas only possible because ofthe accordion. “This was thestrongest link because, althoughwe can fuse the two genres, theyhave a different rhythmic pattern.But the accordion unites them,”explains Ceballos, adding that thegüira is replaced in this song bythe famous washboard played byDopsie Jr.“When I heard the rhythm, thedrums, and the base, it was sodifferent for me,” said DopsieJr. Having recorded with artistssuch as Paul Simon, Bob Dylan,and Cyndi Lauper, among others,Dopsie Jr. understands stylesare unique. “They want you tofollow their rhythm,” Dopsie Jr.said about collaborations withother artists and his reasoningbehind not making any changesto Ceballos’ song. He admittedthat “playing the washboard wasa challenge, but I didn’t want tochange anything. The song hadthat Miami vibe. It’s a perfectsong for the club.”Ceballos took the opportunityto be part of a Louisiana genrethat’s as upbeat as Dominicanmerengue. “As an artist, it’swonderful for me that he put hisname and talent in my hands toproduce the song.”This experience was also excitingfor Dopsie Jr., who gets to sing afew Spanish words in the chorus.“I’ve always thought Latin musicis the best music. I’ve admiredLatin music for a while, startingwith one of my idols CarlosSantana.”Dopsie Jr. is excited about theresult. “I want to thank [Fermin]for letting me be on his single,and I can’t wait to play it onstage, either at one of my gigs orone of his gigs.”As of April 24, you can find“Zydeco Star” on different musicplatforms, including Apple Music,Spotify, and YouTube.VIVANOLAMAG.COM ~ 17
Page 1: ISSUE 34NEW ORLEANS PREMIER MULTICU
Page 4: CONTENTApril / May 2021PUBLISHER’
Page 7 and 8: translation>>El legado deNorma Cast
Page 9 and 10: HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOU
Page 11 and 12: TRANSLATION >>Tratar las alergias p
Page 13 and 14: Somos NOLAAlvaro RiveraServicio al
Page 15: May 5thCinco De MayoFestival!with C
Page 19 and 20: que incluyen saltar arriba y abajo,
Page 21 and 22: • Employment Law • Auto Acciden
Page 24: Children’s CornerMake a Card for
Page 27 and 28: translation>>Una conversacióncon J
Page 29 and 30: translation>>La intersección de lo
Page 32: Podemos ayudarte a abrir la puerta

VIVA NOLA APRIL-MAY 2021

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