BelTiFi, Inc.

BTF:Tell us a little about your very diverse background

RNP: My mom is of Irish and Russian descent and my dad is Haitian. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, moved to Haiti at age five and lived there for ten years. I attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (the “Fame” school) in Manhattan as a Vocal Performance major. I then attended Loyola University in New Orleans on a Voice scholarship for four years where I majored in Music Therapy. Now I’m back in New York doing my Music Therapy internship at Beth Israel Hospital. I studied at various dance schools in Haiti including Chez Vivien Gauthier and Artcho Danse. I studied music at the Victorian School under the great Violinist Romel Joseph. I studied art and sculpture with Jean Claude “Tiga” Garoute. I also studied theatre at the Atelier Eclosion under Florence Jean-Louis Dupuy. I performed as a child in Haiti in clubs, on Haitian television, the National Palace and in Cap Haitian. Growing up I also spent a lot of time around the legendary Racine music group RAM and went to Rara and Carnival every year. I was also exposed to the arts in Jacmel, lived in Port-au-Prince and met many artists through my mother. I also helped my mother raise funds, by selling Haitian art, for a program we founded together after the earthquake of which I am the director of Creative Arts. Li! Li! Li! Read is committed to reading storybooks out loud in Creole to more than 3,000 children per month in tent camps in and around Haiti’s capital city. Edwidge Danticat is on the board of Li, Li, Li! and has been a big influence on my life through her art of writing.

BTF: How did you fall in love with Music and Art?

RNP: Growing up in Haiti I always admired the people’s ability to express themselves artistically despite their harsh circumstances. Music flows through my veins but living in Haiti was what nurtured my passion and inspired me to embrace the arts on a deeper level. The resourceful nature of the Haitian people is unlike any other. Even without access to the most precious stones or the finest metals, they use bottle caps or rubber tires to create beautiful sculptures. I watched people create their own musical instruments, their own toys and kites, and more importantly they were pleased with the outcome and satisfied with what earth had to share with them.

BTF:Describe your experience with performing with the great Emeline Michel--Has she passed the torch for you to represent the young generation of female Haitian entertainers?

RNP: Having the opportunity to work and perform with the great Emeline Michel was truly an honor and a dream come true for me. She is the most beautiful, humble, selfless, and elegant woman I’ve ever met, a true “beauté créole.” She was so willing to share the stage with me and exchange musical knowledge. We had a very enjoyable performance together and created beautifully unique music, which consisted of the combination of traditional Haitian music and classical instruments under the direction of the amazing Haitian conductor Dr. Jean Montès. I will cherish that experience forever. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that she passed the torch but I do feel I have her blessing based on our encounter. She has made such an impact on the Haitian music frontier and inspired countless young women. I am privileged to have my name mentioned in the same phrase as hers.

BTF:You recently performed at the New York Historical Society with Tiga Jean-Baptiste & Tchaka, how did you develop your love of Racine music?

RNP: Working with Tiga was a blessing; he is so incredibly talented and multi-dimensional and his band is amazing! I had such a blast performing with them. My love for Racine and traditional Haitian music began at a very young age. I was exposed to a wide variety of music as a child, including the melodious sounds of the streets of Port-au-Prince. As a little girl I attended ceremonies and experienced the Vodou pilgrimage where I saw dancing and music firsthand. I learned about the spirituality of music while living in Haiti and gained great appreciation for music’s healing functions. The word “Racine” literally translates as roots, it is the music of Haiti, it’s what our ancestors sang and what our grandchildren will be singing.

BTF:You are also a jewelry designer, how did you get into that field?

RNP: I paint, I dance, I sing, I act, I breathe, I love, so I thought “Why not add jewelry making to the equation?” Art comes naturally to me and more specifically individualized art. I wanted to create bold statement pieces that reflect my personality. The point is to combine elegance with “piman.” I believe that every woman has an inner Empress waiting to be released, hence my slogan “Release your Inner Empress.” My jewelry allows women to be free, fun and fearless.

BTF: Do you think the arts can help in the development of Haiti?

RNP: Yes, I certainly do. Haiti has so much to offer, especially in the arts department. There is so much inimitable talent waiting to be discovered; the music, the dance, the fashion, the art, the interior design, the food and much more. The full extent of the arts in Haiti is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Haiti can and will prosper from its natural talents and gifts.

BONUS: Last but not least, how are you a BelTiFi?

RNP: I am a creative woman, proud of my Haitian heritage and culture. Haiti has shaped my creativity and given me a sense of purpose. Living there taught me to appreciate life and use my gifts to give back to my community. I am a woman for others, providing service using art and beauty as a forum of expression. I am a BelTiFi because I do everything with love and grace all the while keeping Haiti at the forefront of my mind. I am very involved in the community and am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace. I am also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a musical fraternity for women dedicated to providing service through music. Through these organizations I was able to help found music programs in recovery school districts, build playgrounds in underprivileged neighborhoods and more in New Orleans. I encourage all young women to be themselves, live life passionately and give back in any way possible.

Music:

http://www.youtube.com/RivaNyri

Jewelry:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RivaNyri

Li! Li! Li!

http://www.lililiread.org/