Whitestone’s Ronald Polo brings Afro-Colombian rhythm to Beat of the Boroughs

Ronald Polo of Whitestone is the singer and composer of Rebulo, an Afro-Colombian musical ensemble. Photo courtesy of Polo

By Ronald Polo, as told to the Eagle

Ronald Polo of Whitestone is the singer and composer of Rebulo, a Queens-based Afro-Colombian musical ensemble comprised of some of the finest Colombian musicians in the United States. Rebulo is featured in the Center for Traditional Music and Dance’s Beat of the Boroughs: NYC Online series, which is showcasing the artistry of 54 of the city’s leading immigrant performers and diverse cultural traditions from around the world. 

Your musical journey – when did it start and how? 

My musical journey started at a very young age back in my country Colombia. I was born in Barranquilla a city full of artistic tradition. Every year we have the second largest Carnaval in the world where all you see is music and dance. It is impossible not to have some kind of talent as you are born into it because it is your tradition. After many years in Colombia, I moved to the United States in 2001 with the dream of having a band on my own, and it was here were I was able to achieve that.   

What drew you to Queens? 

Queens in a way makes you feel at home, because you not only find different cultures but also there’s quite a large Colombian community in Queens that is attractive to any Colombian. To be able to find your favorite foods and music is just fantastic. 

What makes your music distinctive? 

My music represents my country and my city with the Afro-Colombian rhythms and instruments, but you also have the New York touch with some jazz, funk, and even rap. My inspiration to write music is everything: daily life events, memories when young, my family, and my friends.  

Who is your favorite artist from Queens? 

Los Gaiteros De San Jacinto. I can say my music was influenced and inspired by them.  

How has the pandemic affected you?

This pandemic has been one of the hardest things we have ever came across worldwide. But artists and musicians survive on live events and have not been able to do that; it has been a tremendous hit emotionally and, of course, financially. 

How are you reaching audiences now? 

Thanks to the technology and all of the platforms, it helps a bit to be able to do virtual concerts, even if it’s not the same in terms of having a live audience in front of you. And, not getting paid the same for your shows We continue because music is addictive, and you can’t stop creating. 

What do you think the future holds for your arts sector in New York as a result of the pandemic? 

Probably more options for us virtually, and for the rest more ideas of ways to have better and safer settings for gathering lots of people.  But we do need more grants for artists, virtual concerts, and virtual classes.

What is next for you? 

I will continue doing music, and right now am working on a new album with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, which is very exciting for us. As an artist and a band, we want our music to be recognized and maybe get to a nomination.  

What does it mean to you to be part of Beat of the Boroughs? 

It means doing music differently but making an impact by doing it. We are trying to make people feel happy with these wonderful concerts.  

You can view Ronald Polo’s presentation on Friday, December 4 at 5:00 PM on CTMD’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/CTMDProgramsConcerts or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CTMDnyc.  And learn more about Rebulo at gruporebou.com.