The Resurrection of Jesus Luz

Photography : Filbert Kung 

Creative Director: Michael Cinco 

Production: Belle Du Silence

Location: Copacabana Palace and Ipanema Rio de Janeiro 

Story: Bessie Badilla

His name alone is enough to attract legions of followers.  It has a spiritual ring to it; it is full of hope and positivity. But there is so much more to Jesus Luz, the man who attracted the likes of Sergio Mattos of 40° Modeling Agency, photographer Steven Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and the queen of pop, Madonna. 

Cool, Approachable and Down-to-Earth

At 3:00 pm, Jesus Luz was standing outside the Copacabana Palace with Dubai-based designer, Michael Cinco and Hollywood photographer Filbert Kung, waiting for a ride to Arpoador/Ipanema Beach for the much-awaited location shoot.  Supermodel Brenda Costa of Belle du Silence Agency and artist Shia were also present to witness history in the making.  After all, it isn’t everyday that one can watch three gifted superstars working together in one collaboration.

Jesus was relaxed as he made his way to the rocky hillside of Arpoador.  Following close behind him was his entourage, listening to bystanders and fans calling his name, “Look it’s Jesus,” “Wow, Jesus Luz,” “Oh, it IS Jesus,” “O Jesus!”  

Jesus acknowledged by nodding, smiling, greeting his fans and even stopping for quick photos. 

Professional and a Joy to Work With

Michael Cinco helped Jesus change to a fully embroidered robe that covered his arms and exposed his bare muscular chest, while Filbert scouted for the perfect spot.  Jesus was asked to stand barefoot on the rocks while his robe flew with the steady gust of wind.  He effortlessly made the heavy robe look weightless like a silk scarf. His movements were precise, confident, and graceful.

After several changes of clothes and locations (with the magnificent Morro Dois Irmãos serving as backdrop), Filbert had him pose on the edge of the breakwater-- where Jesus obliged, knowing he was going to be drenched with the big, strong waves.  He did what he was told and did it well. It was worth all the effort.  The entire shoot produced some of the most dramatic images with the blue sea, the rocks, the waves, Dois Irmãos and Jesus Luz.  Just imagine Jesus walking on water!

A Good Listener with Strong Family Ties

The dream team went from shoot to dinner at everyone’s favorite roasted chicken joint, Galitos.  It was here where Jesus sat beside this author and was able to openly talk about his likes, his life, and his loves.  His green eyes were a distraction at first because they somehow changed colors when he became excited about the topic of our conversation.  He is a good listener too; you just have to look away when you speak because he listens intently while staring at you.  You can easily lose your train of thought if your eyes meet his gaze!

He explained that his father named him “Jesus” after Jesus Christ.  His father did so because he wanted his son to grow up with everything good coming his way.  We talked about his childhood, how he always dreamed of dancing on stage.  His family was a big influence on the young Jesus because everyone was artistic and Inspiring. 

Grateful 

In his late teens, Jesus took English lessons, and on the side, he did all sorts of jobs from construction to waiting on tables-- until a friend brought him to a modeling agency, and he was immediately signed as a model.  It was Sergio Mattos who introduced him to Steven Klein and Madonna, with Madonna personally picking him for the W magazine shoot.  

Working alongside and dating the Material Girl would change Jesus’ life.  It would catapult his modeling, acting, and DJing careers.  He was tagged as Madonna’s “ToyBoy,” but this never bothered Jesus. To this day, he is grateful to the Pop Icon for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime.  When asked about their one-year relationship, Jesus proudly responds, “I consider this a blessing; she was my girlfriend and my manager at the same time.” 

Positive and Spiritual 

Even the most popular DJ had to put everything on hold during the pandemic.  There were no gigs, but Jesus was busy.  He said, “I worked a lot on the internet and did many live [shows].” It was also the perfect time for him to take care of his mental health.  He had a lot of time to read and exercise.  Moreso, he was able to spend a lot of quality time with his daughter, Malena, the love of his life.

Jesus is ready to go back to DJing as the show scenes are slowly coming back. He would love to play in Space Ibiza, Corsica and Noronha once again as these places are special to him.  There are yet places he wants to conquer in the near future. His goal locations to DJ in are Las Vegas, Rock in Rio, and Rock in Rio Lisboa. 

Today, he is living his dream doing what he loves to do, transporting his audience into a happy journey of feeling good through his music and DJing prowess. Jesus sees himself in the next 5-10 years becoming more spiritual and hard working. His words, “I think it’s all about energy and taking good care of your spirit, mind and body, everything else will come to life.”  With these words, Jesus Luz is ready for his musical resurrection.

For more about men’s fashion, check out our print magazine and September cover feature Jesus Luz!