I sat at a table in a restaurant at the top of Ocean Drive
waiting for Mr Pimpbull to join me. As he walked towards me the resemblance was
quite uncanny. Having looked at photos of Mr Pimpbull previously, I thought
"Yes, I can see a Pitbull resemblance" Yet having met him in person,
I can say that photos alone do not do enough justice. Time flew past as I
enjoyed drinks, conversations and questions with Mr Pimpbull who was simply
great company.
Mr Pimpbull’s appearance, mannerisms, suit, facial expressions
were truly amazing. I was taken aback in how much he not only really imitated
Pitbull looks wise but also how he was strikingly in character.
Soon it was time for the REAL experience as I said
"Right Mr Pimpbull, you’re my date tonight, let's go to Mango’s and have
some fun, dale!" and off we went. Walking through Ocean Drive was an
experience and hanging out with the incredible Pitbull impersonator, the whole
night was probably a bit of a health hazard itself but still so much fun as you
will soon understand.
As I walked beside him I could feel the eyes on him from
passers by. Some with expressions of wonder whether he was Pitbull and others shouting
"PITBULL!" or "Chico!" as he is affectionately called by
the locals. Yet many times greeted with Pitbull’s signature phrase
"Dale!” We were also closely tailed
by a girl shouting "I love you Pitbull!" Every few yards deafening my
ear drums until a car stopped right in our path as we crossed the road with the
driver getting out and asking for photos.
As we approached Mango’s, one of my favourite places on
Ocean Drive and one also known to be where the real Mr Worldwide occasionally
hangs out. It becomes apparent that they too know of the impersonator and allow
us in promptly.
Once inside the expressions of others filled with curiosity
or voices muttering, "is that Pitbull/it's Pitbull!" amongst
themselves and pointing at Mr Pimpbull gleefully was clearly visible. As I
stood beside him enjoying my mojito, I observed as guys came over to shake his
hand and girls over for a cheeky pic and peck on the cheek. Whilst others
simply exchanged a respectful acknowledgement. However, when a conversation is
struck or any other form of obvious interaction, one thing is absolutely made
clear very swiftly by the impersonator. That is that he is an impersonator and
not Pitbull himself.
For some bizarre reason there were many blips of time I was
forced to part with standing on the sidelines and my beloved mojito and thrown
from being an observer and into participation. Humour me, even unintentionally
playing the role of his bodyguard or manager (minus the sharp suit and
blackberry) in this surreal set up as those fascinated approached me first to
ask permission to take a photograph with Mr Pimpbull. From locals to groups of
fellow Europeans on vacation.
On went the night. Many approaches and requests for photos
(Yes, I’m also the official photographer by now too) schmoozing with
charismatic imitations of Mr Worldwide always, I must stress again, always in
character. Even the solo dance moves were like imitated like Pitbull. As we
then threw some salsa moves onto the dance floor together, I could feel the
daggers thrown in my back from a crowd of girls who thought I was dancing with
the real McCoy.
After one of the many points of rushes of attention, I felt
even more so responsible for his safety, concerned and not comfortable to leave
his side to for a few minutes. Feeling the need to protect him.
As we begin to leave the club it starts getting a little
crazier. A girl stops and strikes up a conversation with Mr Pimpbull. Meanwhile
a guy sitting behind at the bar shouts out to anyone listening "Hey it's
Pitbull! – It's Pitbull everyone!!!" After which all you hear is a wave of
voices shouting to get his attention and fighting through the crowd to get to
Mr Pimpbull. It was not a situation where we could even be heard to let it be
known that it's a Pitbull impersonator. For his safety, time to make a path, a
swift exit and get out of there. We finally get out on street where we think we
are safe but that is not the case as someone outside had heard the guy inside
shouting and so started shouting "Pitbull!" outside the venue
starting creating another wave of people heading towards him in a crowd. No one
was listening. It was time to leg it! It suddenly dawned on me what the REAL
Pitbull must go through trying to do basic things as simple as just wanting to
go on a quiet walk alone.
I soon realised that I found myself by default working as
his photographer, unofficial aide and his bodyguard. Pit if you’re reading this
and need another bodyguard or crowd exit strategist - hit me up!
A surreal but great experience indeed. Always in character
Mr Pimpbull not only looks, walks and talks just like Pitbull but listening to
what he had to say it was also quite clear he is just as humble with a warming,
kind and positive energy around him. Mr Pimpbull’s conduct goes beyond playing
the role of an impersonator and a fan of Mr Worldwide, with strong loyalty and
sincere consideration for the Lil ‘Chico.
Read on to find out more about the wonderful Pitbull
impersonator. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the man who tells me “I have a
Pitbull Degree, baby” Mr PIMPBull (Pitbull Impersonator Model Person)..
Thank you for seeing me Mr Pimpbull!
How long have you been a Pitbull impersonator?
I have been
in the industry officially for about two to three years as an actor.
A casting company called me to ask if I would like the
opportunity to work as a Pitbull impersonator on the web, promo’s, various
shows and red carpet events such as Premio lo Nuestro, Premio Tu Mundo, Premio
Juventud…
At the time I was a personal trainer, and also bartender at
the time. I was going through a tough time in my life as I had lost my mother
and being a Pitbull impersonator ‘healed me’. It healed my life. You can see
how important this is for me. It has
given me a lot of opportunities being a Pitbull impersonator.
When did you first realise that you looked like and could impersonate
Pitbull?
I used to work as a bartender at Nikki Beach on South Beach
around 2005,
During this time Culo, which is one of my favourite songs
was being played and I was dancing and my co-workers, friends, others around me
and even the DJ said “Hey you dance like Pitbull and you look a lot like him
too, even the swag. You could be impersonating him!” A lot of people noticed this and even said
that I can near enough even sound like Pitbull. At that time I didn’t have the
sunglasses but I was bald like Pitbull!
Has anything crazy or funny happened whilst impersonating Mr Worldwide?
(Laughs) There are so many things that have happened! One
day I was in Bongos Café and a woman ran over to me shouting “I love you so
much, you’re my everything, I want to be with you!” and started to grab hold
and hug me. Other women around her must have heard this lady and so they also
came over asking to take photographs with me.
Later on I was heading to the restrooms and they managed to
get through into the restrooms shouting “Hey Pitbull, don’t leave!” security
were getting involved as they were causing a scene in the male restrooms. I
tried to say “Mamitas you cannot come in here….Listen, I’m not Pitbull” But
they weren’t listening!
Another story I have is when, DJ Laz once told me when he
was on stage at Calle Ocho one year and after looking out into the distance in
the crowd for a split a second had mistaken me as Pit.
Looking like Mr Worldwide you could practically have any girl you want,
wherever you want - even if it is the bathrooms!
I am aware that I represent to an extent and impersonate
Pitbull and am obviously mistaken as being the real Pitbull a lot. I would
never behave in a way that would affect his image or do anything like that. I
respect Pitbull so much. So yes, I could but I never would.
How do you prepare for events, do you have any rituals?
I find that I don’t have to try too hard and it comes
naturally. People tell me my mannerisms and style is very similar Pitbull
before I even started impersonating.
I start with a bit of Voli and I get into the zone mentally.
I start shaving my goatee and head. My suits are always ready. It takes me
about two hours and I am ready to go. ‘Party hard, party wide, party like Mr
Worldwide’ that’s my slogan
How many suits do you own?
I have twenty-five Pitbull suits!
Tell me about any ups and downs about impersonating Pitbull?
There is always that risk of whether people will accept you
or not. I had a few negative comments like “Hey you don’t look like
Pitbull” but when I read the comment it was actually a Pitbull hater so I don’t
take that on board.
I was at Premio Tu Mundo and someone said jokingly to the
host “You know what, this is Pitbull here. The host asked “are you also making
music like Pitbull?” I wanted to say I
wish I was, to be making music like Pit, the most famous and talented guy in
the world! I have also been interviewed by Enrique Santos at the Premio
Juventud.
Do you have any favourite Pitbull quotes?
“Ask for money get
advice, ask for advice get money twice!” this is something I love and it makes
sense!
(At this point I am a little spooked. Not only
does he have that Pit swagger, but I begin to notice even more so the little
things like the way Mr Pimpbull adjusts
his collar, the way he tugged his suit buttons and pulling his jacket inwards
now and then, the way the real Mr Worldwide does along with other sudden
movements and mannerisms that imitate. Over the years I seem to have developed a healthy liking
for the shape of Pitbull's thumb and the way it arches back very noticeably
although this was not entirely the case. Thumbs a side, my eyes are drawn to
the rest of his hands. His fingers and hands can imitate Pit’s to a certain
extent)
What is your advice to anyone wanting to get into the impersonating
business professionally?
I would advise that if you really, really love what you are
doing – never give up. Do not listen to anyone around you who tell you
otherwise. When I impersonate Pitbull, I really love it. I’m really blessed. I
love my role, because for me Pitbull is my hero. Pitbull takes negatives to a positive and he is the King of
Miami.
And when Pit’s flying around the world you’re here in
the 305 to represent!
(Laughs) Yes, I love that!
I have seen a lot of photos of you partying with members of Team
Pitbull and the Mr 305 Inc family..
Yes, I’m blessed to I have met a lot of his talented team. I
go to Cafe Bongo’s and when I see DJ Africa, DJ Chino, Fito Blanko, Sensato
they always say hi or dale!
My next question was going to be what other famous people have you met
working as a Pitbull Impersonator?
I’ve met most of Team Pitbull. The only person missing is
Pitbull who I have not met officially. Although when Pitbull, JLO and Claudia Leitte were filming
the official World Cup song We Are One, Pit walked past me and said something like
“Oye! Como tu ta?
Pitbull was dressed in white and said a brief ‘Hi.’ He was
really polite. It’s quite funny I was standing near Mike, Pancho, Chino and
Jorge (The Agents). Pitbull was on the platform looking down on us and did a
double take probably thinking who is this standing with his guys. His family.
Another time JLO at one point tapped Claudia Leitte pointing at me and saying
something like “Look at him!”
Other people I have met are Motiff- super cool guy and Madai
who is lovely too.
I have met Enrique Iglesias and he said “Oye que bola mi
hermano!”
Gente De Zona. Dwayne Johnson and Jencarlos Canela. I’m
blessed. I’ve met so many
What would you say to Pitbull when you get to meet him properly?
I’m blessed and honoured to be able to impersonate you.
You’re my hero. You’re my brother from another mother! Thank you so much.
Mr Pimpbull, It’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you so much for
taking the time to talk to me, let’s get to Mango’s and have some fun!
Dale Mamita, It’s my pleasure…Lets go!
(Kisses the back of my hand like a true gentleman)
FOLLOW MR PIMPBULL
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