About — Turbado The Artist

Turbado Marabou, MFA

Deeproots

Art & Culture Creative Services LLC

Presents

Turbado the American Griot

Phone: 325-792-8247

“We all have a powerful narrative to tell. Our words can destroy; our words can heal and create. This vibrational power is a gift we must all cherish and to speak truth to the misuse of power; to use our words in a ritualistic expression for justice, and to heal the collective heart of humanity.” Turbado

Turbado is a contemporary storyteller grounded in traditional foundations. He graduated from Florida A&M University and received his M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Currently, he is in the Ph.D. program in Art Education at FSU.

Turbado began his storytelling career in Chicago, IL, where he told stories to terminally ill patients at La Rabida Children's Hospital and the African Festival for the Arts. His passion for the Arts and African Diaspora culture and folklore are expressed through his storytelling. His programs use folklore and legends to teach history, good character, cooperative conduct, self-respect, and understanding to his audiences of all ages.

Baba Turbado has become a fixture in the bi-state area of Northern Florida and Georgia. He has performed in several county library locations, art & music festivals, and community centers as the MC for Kwanzaa and Juneteenth celebrations.

He has worked with the African dance troupe Mosso Kan, the University of Florida’s annual show Agba Didi, The Hogtown Medieval Fair, served as the MC of the Afro-Roots Festival, and other contemporary storytelling platforms. Turbado also participated in two of Gainesville’s premier events, Guts & Glory and Story GNV.

Turbado’s performance history includes a variety of lead roles in productions such as Papa’s Blues as Nathan Reynold’s at the Cross Town Repertory Theatre, Tan Tan Julian in Once On This Island at the Star Center, to Santa Claus in the first and second annual Pleasant Street Holiday on the Avenue parade and the High Spring’s holiday parade.

He continues his work today as a practicing performing & visual artist, educator, and creative life coach under his company, Deeproots Art & Culture Creative Services, LLC. Turbado resides in Gainesville's historic Pleasant Street District with his wife and daughter, where he was born and raised…..Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, introducing the never-ending one and only Turbado, the American Griot.