KOMPA! MAGAZINE

[shah]

Joseph Mario Mayala: Gone but not Forgotten!
Written by Jason Accime aka Shah.

As I am listening to some Smooth Jazz on Tunein, the wicked guitar plays by Peter White; Chuck Loeb, Marc Antoine, Lee Ritenour and others propelled me to write this piece in memory of the late Joseph Mario Mayala.

Joseph Mario Mayala inherited the genes of his father Daniel Mayala the great drummer of the legendary Jazz Des Jeunes if I am not mistaken, at around the birth of our popular music known today as: Konpa Direk

Mario aka “Sourit” was one of the very best Haitian guitarists whoever puts fingers on a guitar. Mario was not a conceited human being. He was not a narcissist either like some of us. He genuinely played the guitar with love and a lot of emotions. Mario was autodidact and the most introverted guitar player in the history of our music period. Mario was never the one to be in front of the band to show case his skills. He preferred to be on the background because of his timidity unless he had no choice.

However, Mario Mayala was a no shine individual when it comes to play his guitar. If anyone has witnessed what I am talking about, one can tell that sometimes watching Mario playing with the grimace expression on his face, one would say that this man is possessed by some musical spirit.

Shleu Shleu and SkahShah were the sole beneficiaries of this great talent. The formula for konpa Direk as far as the rhythm is concerned was reinvented by none other than Mario and his cousin Johnny Frantz Toussaint aka Tifre.


Mario was also a composer who helped SkahShah to gain the overwhelming recognition to this day as the band that elevated Nemours Jean Baptiste’s music to another level. With Mario Malaya’s help, SkahShah has continued the work of the previous artists that has influenced the French Caribbean islands and some French parts of Africa as well.

My only son who is also a Hip Hop artist Jay-Ax got to kick it with Mr. Reo Mario’s son at Sobs once upon a time.

Music was within the soul of Mario Mayala and for that I am so thankful to have been able to enjoy his music from my teenage years in Port-Au-Prince to now in in NYC.

Mario, you may be gone but the vivid memories of your stage presence and the well-orchestrated music you have created are still with me today. I salute you brother like I saluted the others who paved the way and who are still living and playing.

A true music lover can have a specific preference but if or when there is a need or a choice to recognize others for their contributions to our Konpa Direk, no one should put a name tag on that individual for doing so. I love SkahShah as my then preferred band. As you all know it, Tabou Combo was SkahShah nemesis but that shouldn’t stop me from extending my gratitude to Tabou combo for their input to our music because it’s a logical thing to do if one wants to pay respect where respect has merit. Open minded individuals are equipped to think for themselves and not to be bounded by what others think.

Joseph Mario Mayala you were one of the greats and an unforgettable legend of your time. I deeply miss you brother and thank you for everything and rest in peace and play on forever wherever you are!
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SHAH
The less I say the more I do.

[1Lov']

Great post Brother..
I religiously spend some of my friday nights in my buddy's basement listening to the Great works of the MASTER GUITARIST.. Long live the Memories..
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" KM" 1Lov's Hometown Newspaper..

[shah]

Thanks 1Lov but I wish I had a nice picture of him to post so people would know the man. Pat can you post one pix?
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SHAH
The less I say the more I do.

[HappyMax]

Great work Shah. I enjoyed reading it. Indeed, Mario started the Guitar revolution in Kompa along with the magnum band legend when the horn sections were the emphasis which gave us so many bad ass guitarists in the scene right now
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My future's so bright I've got to wear shades

[RICKY]

This was a good read. I need to hear more of his work

His name is constantly mentioned when it comes to guitar players

[shah]

@ Ricky,
If you really want to hear Mario, any SkahShah cd will do. However, I would recommend to listen to the skahshah "Message" CD and GM connection of Mario mayala and Gerard Daniel. Enjoy brother!
_________________
SHAH
The less I say the more I do.