"I grew up in Belize, but Yurumein is my homeland." The Garifuna Artist, Rhodel "Rhodee" Castillo, does not like to territorialize himself. First and foremost he is a proud Garifuna, raised in the coastal Garifuna communities of Hopkins Village and Dangriga Town in the Central American country of Belize. "My mother has always been the biggest influence in my life." At a tender age, Rhodee's musical experience took a life of it's own within the cradle of his Garifuna culture. He was inspired to be a singer/artist by family members, local musicians and performers. Musicians such as Joseph "Joe Thump" Castillo, Junior Aranda, Paul Nebor, "Gabaga" Williams, Perfecta "Mass" Ramirez, a grand aunt, and many others who serenaded the community during the holiday seasons. Throughout the early years, Rhodee continued to develop his own style with the early teachings of author and poet Marcella Lewis. With her guidance he performed with the Children's Cultural Group at the Annual Garifuna Settlement Day Events. During his teen years, Rhodee continued to listen to many of these local artists that later included Pen Cayetano, founder and creator of a new and innovative sound which is today called Punta Rock. Rhodee began performing with local bands fine tuning his musical talents, and in the meantime had began listening to international artists, Reggae poet, Mutabaruka, Bob Marley, Isaac Hayes, Jimmy Cliff, Marvin Gaye, Alpha Blondy and many others. "I want to educate the world about Garifuna." After graduating from Belize College of Arts and Science and Technology (BELCAST), Rhodee immigrated to the United States in 1986, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University, two years later. In 1994 he received a Master's Degree from Roosevelt University, also in Chicago, all the time keeping his heart and mind close to his Garifuna roots. Rhodee co-founded the Progressive Garifuna Alliance (PGA), an organization dedicated to the preservation and the advancement of the Garifuna Culture worldwide. Under Rhodee's strong leadership, the PGA's contributions to the Multi-Media Exhibit, The Garifuna Town Meetings, and the Annual Chicagoland Celebrations of Garifuna Culture, with proceeds benefiting the communities in Belize, have been very successful. Rhodee also contributed as a consultant and artist to "The Garifuna Journey," a documentary film by Andrea Leland and Kathy Berger. This film opens with Rhodee's poem "Our Children Must Know," demands that the truth to be told about the Garifuna history. The screening of this film at the Chicago Field Museum's African History Series Program opened the eyes of many new admirers and brought a profound respect for the Garifuna history and lifestyle. "My knowledge is your teacher through my music." With a humanitarian concern for social issues affecting the world community and the Garifuna culture in particular, Rhodel "Rhodee" Castillo, has created a compilation of music with a new innovated rhythm blended with a Garifuna tradition. So with a mixture of Punta Rock, a touch of reggae beats, a pinch of soul, and all heart, IN EXILE, is a one-of-a-kind event not to be missed. So sit back, relax, listen and WAKE UP!