Sumith Prasad
Lifetime’s biographical drama film ‘Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story’ chronicles the formation of the renowned freestyle music group Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, founded by Mike Hughes, Alex “Spanador” Moseley, and Lisa Lisa. As the movie depicts, Mike served as the band’s drummer and percussionist, contributing to its phenomenal success. While Lisa stole the hearts of the ardent admirers of the band, he backed her, which was integral for the reception they and their music garnered across the world. Eventually, differences within the group paved the way for a break-up, leading Mike to a new pathway in life!
Mike Hughes Left for Brazil After Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam Disbanded
Mike Hughes’ journey as the drummer of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam came to an end in the early 1990s when the band decided to go on a hiatus. According to him, at the time, their record label, Columbia Records, prioritized Mariah Carey over the band, which also inspired Lisa Lisa to pursue a solo music career without the backing of Mike and Alex “Spanador” Moseley. After the frontwoman left, the remaining duo wanted to revive Cult Jam with a male vocalist, and they even played a few shows with the new guys. However, creative differences soon surfaced, and financial difficulties put an end to this endeavor.
When Mike failed to reinvent Cult Jam, he left New York City for Brazil, where he teamed up with many Brazilian musicians. In addition to drumming, he also worked as a disc jockey in the South American nation. During this period, he was drawn to capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. His passion and commitment to fitness further motivated him to remain on this new pathway of life. “[This] sidetrack took me in directions I couldn’t image. The continuation of dance and martial arts [led] me to Brazil, which [led] me to Brazilian music and DJing,” he told CanvasRebel Magazine.
Even though the break-up of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam led the three members to pursue individual careers, Mike stayed in touch with Lisa and Alex/Spanador, and there were even talks about a potential reunion. The trio tried to get back together as a music group multiple times, but, unfortunately, the efforts didn’t yield any favorable results. Still, these attempts motivated Mike to open a new chapter of his life, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2019.
Mike Hughes Continues to Make Music Even Today With His New Band
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike Hughes confronted the deaths of several musicians like him. These demises made him realize that there was still “a lot of music” in him to share with the world before passing away. This realization inspired him to revive Cult Jam with Alex “Spanador” Moseley. The duo welcomed Mystina Sol to the group as the new vocalist and rebranded the band as “CultJam.” They made their presence known in the music industry of the East Coast with their first single, “What Love Can Do,” in 2023. In July 2024, the band released its first album, ‘CultJam Love.’
Since CultJam’s formation, Mike and his two bandmates have performed across the East Coast, mainly in New York City, Long Island, Philadephia, New Jersey, etc. They have played music in numerous bars, pubs, and venues, with plans to expand their presence to other parts of the country. Mike sees the formation of the new band as his music journey coming full circle. “Full circle brought me back to loving playing live percussion and my old friend Alex. CultJam was reinvented once again with new energy from lead vocalist Mystina Sol,” he added in the same interview given to CanvasRebel Magazine.
Mike Hughes’ Current Passions Include Fitness, Football, and Travelling
When Mike Hughes is not making music with Alex “Spanador” Moseley and Mystina Sol, he is fully committed to his passion for fitness. Even though he is in his 60s now, one may have a hard time identifying him as a sexagenarian. In October 2024, he also celebrated the twentieth anniversary of his transformation into a capoeira fighter. He shares his passion for fitness with his wife, Michele Bastos, a renowned pilates master trainer who works for the fitness club brand Crunch Fitness. Mike is a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL), and he often celebrates the team’s victories and watches them play ball live.
While New York City remains Mike’s home, he is an avid traveler who cherishes the music and culture of different countries. After the release of ‘CultJam Love,’ he embarked on a European journey to travel through Brussels in Belgium, Paris in France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and London in England. At times, he is also joined by his wife, Michele, and the couple visited Greece and Portugal back in 2019 together. Even though Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam disbanded over three decades ago, Mike is still doing what he loves to do the most: making music. When he is not in the recording booth, you may run into him at a gym or a football field, flexing his fitness and celebrating his favorite football team’s wins.
Read More: Toni Menage: Where is the Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam Backup Singer Now?
