The Rhythm Divine

Fr Stan Fortuna is a Catholic priest and a founding member of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an order established in the heart of the South Bronx in 1987. But he is also a musician known worldwide as 'the rapping priest'. Even after 20 years it's not a title he's totally comfortable with. "It sounds like, 'Oh, the chihuahua in the pet store', you know what I mean, but there's nothing novel about it because it's essentially all about the gospel."

With his salt-and-pepper hair and long grey robes, Fr Stan cuts an unlikely figure on stage. But as soon as he opens his mouth, it's clear this rapping priest is the real deal. He grew up in New York City becoming a professional jazz musician. But in his early adulthood he dedicated his life to God and became an ordained priest. While studying for the priesthood in Spanish Harlem, Fr Stan discovered the style he calls 'rhythm and rhyme' and noticing its similarity to jazz improvisation, decided this was a musical form he could work with.

Images

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Guests

Fr Stan Fortuna
'has been playing music since the 2nd grade when his father gave him his first instrument for Christmas - a red electric guitar! His love for music grew into early adulthood as he began the life long journey of learning the art of improvising by practicing countless hours and playing lots of sessions in the New York area. It was during that time that Fortuna began hearing his true calling in life and was eventually ordained a Roman Catholic priest. He is one of the eight original members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a community established in the Archdiocese of New York under the jurisdiction of John Cardinal O'Connor in 1987. Fr. Stan established Francesco Productions (www.francescoproductions.com) in 1987, a non-profit company which produces his music, teaching tapes and videos. He established the non-profit recording company to assist the poor and to evangelize Christ's Word through his music. From Contemporary Christian to Jazz, Folk, Reggae and Rap, this incredible musician and composer has produced music for the enjoyment of all ages and walks of life. He has released numerous CD's of original music and standards, arranged in his very special style. All proceeds from sales go to the Community's hands-on work with the poor.' From Fr Stan's website.

Further Information

Francesco Productions
Website for a non-profit organisation serving the poor. Includes Fr Stan's blog, Fortuna's Fortune.

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
Fr. Stan's community, seeking to live the vows of authentic Franciscan life in a way that effectively challenges the worldly values prevalent in every age.

Everybody Got 2 Suffer video
Watch Fr Stan do his thing on You Tube.

Australasian World Music Expo
Showcasing traditional and contemporary indigenous, roots and world music, from the Oceania, Asia and Pacific region, including Telek from East New Britain in PNG. In Melbourne from 20-23 November 2008.

Music

CD title: Sacro Song III
Artist: Fr Stan Fortuna
CD details: Francesco Productions
URL: http://www.francescoproductions.com/music/ss3.html

CD title: Serious Tam
Track title: Midal
Artist: Telek
URL: http://www.telek.com/

Producer

Geoff Wood