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Fantuzzi is more than just a musician. He is a joyous, spiritual event. Performing the world over for nearly 40 years, this global troubadour, originally from Spanish Harlem, has spread love through his music on every continent, including special events at Woodstock, Carnegie Hall, and the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. He has always been tirelessly committed to saving Mother Earth, and in July, he once again made his mark at the Rainbow Gathering (welcomehome.org), an annual assembly of people who pray for peace on the planet. His latest CD, Divine Inspiration, is an album of classic heartsongs that shed light and love on those fortunate enough to listen. He’s nomadic in nature, but canvas was lucky to pin down Fantuzzi for a quick chat.
How would you describe your music?
I usually let others describe it, but I call it Latin-reggae-afro/funk with a mystic twist. That’s such a mouthful and it doesn’t even begin to hit my Kirtan and heartsongs.
What is Kirtan music?
Chants from India that are devoted to God . . . when you say God’s name over and over and invoke a state of bliss or peacefulness.
What is the Rainbow Gathering?
Well, I was there when it started in 1972, and the word has now spread to more than 40,000 people. It’s a yearly gathering of like-minded people who unite and pray for a better world in the cathedral of nature (national forests). We also hang out, recharge our batteries, and exchange ideas so that when we go back into the world, we can be of better service.
You’ve been called a “global troubadour” by many . . .
Global meaning that the whole world is my home. Troubadour being that now music has taken over my life and I bring a message of hope. In the old days, a troubadour would go and spread the news musically. I’m a modern-day version.
Where is your home base?
When I’m not on Long Island, San Francisco and Hawaii are bases. But I have no actual home. Being that I’m a busy guy, it’s hard to spend much time in any of these places. My storage is in San Francisco, my children are in Berkeley, and my wealthy friends with nice hot tubs [laughs] give me a little rest from the weary road.
