In Mushy’s World, Every Note is a Memory, and Every Rhythm is a Revolution.
In the rhythmic heart of Haitian jazz, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Mushy Widmaier — the celebrated pianist, composer, sound engineer, and radio host whose artistry has shaped generations of Caribbean music lovers. Now stepping into a new chapter as the Operations Manager at WDNA 88.9FM in Miami, Widmaier continues to blend his mastery of sound, culture, and leadership to push Haitian music further into the global spotlight.
Widmaier’s career is the perfect harmony of talent, tradition, and innovation. Best known as the musical mastermind behind the legendary Haitian fusion band Zèklè, Mushy has long stood at the intersection of jazz, Haitian folklore, and cutting-edge sound design. With fingers that dance over the keys and a mind that weaves together complex harmonies, he has carved out a space for Haitian jazz to survive and soar.
The Pulse of Zèklè
As the pianist and principal arranger for Zèklè, Mushy helped redefine what Haitian music could be. Fusing the deep soul of Haitian rhythms with jazz improvisation, funk grooves, and poetic lyricism, the band became a cornerstone of the Haitian musical renaissance of the 1980s and ’90s. Under Widmaier’s direction, Zèklè didn’t just play music — they delivered sonic journeys that stirred both the mind and the spirit.
His compositions, such as Sa K Pase, Rete, and Amba, were anthems of cultural pride and musical excellence, earning acclaim across the diaspora. Zèklè’s sound, led by Mushy’s jazz-inflected piano lines, set the standard for a generation of Haitian musicians who proudly blend traditional roots with modern expressions.
A Jazz Master with a Mission
Born into a family of musical royalty — the son of classical composer and pianist Gérard Widmaier — Mushy was destined to leave his mark on the world stage. Trained in classical and jazz traditions, he has evolved into a pianist of breathtaking sensitivity and depth, with performances reflecting the Haitian identity’s spiritual beauty and complexity.
From solo concerts to collaborations with global jazz artists, Widmaier has always honored Haiti’s cultural heritage while innovating its future sound. His piano speaks in ancestral chants and futuristic tones — a bridge between memory and movement.
WDNA 88.9FM: A New Chapter in Sonic Leadership
Now, as Operations Manager at Miami’s WDNA 88.9FM, a station renowned for jazz and cultural programming, Mushy brings his vision to the airwaves. Hosting “Jazz Créole,” a program spotlighting Haitian jazz, folklore, and Caribbean rhythms, he’s introduced global audiences to the depth of Haitian music and its role in the more prominent jazz conversation.
His new role at WDNA places him at the helm of one of the nation’s most respected jazz platforms — a fitting evolution for someone whose entire career has been about elevating and preserving sound. Widmaier sees the station as a media outlet and a cultural sanctuary where Haitian artists can be heard, honored, and remembered.
“Jazz is not foreign to Haiti,” Widmaier said in an interview. “It’s in the way we breathe, the way we drum, the way we resist and celebrate. My mission is to remind the world that Haitian music is jazz — and jazz is Haitian.”
Sound Engineer, Producer, and Mentor
Beyond his piano virtuosity, Mushy is also a brilliant sound engineer and music producer. He has worked on countless recording sessions with Haitian legends and emerging talents. His ear for sonic detail is matched only by his ability to mentor younger musicians, guiding them toward technical excellence and artistic authenticity.
He continues offering workshops, sound clinics, and musical lectures throughout South Florida and the Haitian diaspora, ensuring the next generation of Haitian musicians understands their sound roots and reach.
As a pianist, composer, engineer, and station leader, Mushy Widmaier remains one of Haiti’s most potent cultural exports. He is not only the maestro of Zèklè but also the maestro of a movement in which Haitian music, in all its forms, takes its rightful place on the global jazz stage.
In Mushy’s world, every note is a memory, and every rhythm is a revolution.
And the world is still listening.
