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?UESTIONS: Jose Ramon Nunez

Multi-talented music arranger and composer, Jose Ramon Nunez was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. Influenced by the melodies and harmonies of Latin jazz and funk music, Jose plays both the trombone and piano. The mellow dynamic piano stimulates the senses and the distinct trombone leaves an energetic spark. Jose is a skilled and spirited musician.

What is your musical background?

I was attracted to music since a very young age. I started playing the piano at music school from the age of 8, then added the trombone in my teenage years.

How has growing up in Havana influenced your journey in music?  

I come from a family of musicians, my great grandmother was the first who created the women only band, La Charanga De Doña Irene in 1928. Growing up around her, influenced my taste of music. Cuba is mixed country, we have the African rhythm influences, the Latin music from the Caribbean, the jazz from the USA, not to forget the Spanish flamenco. It’s such a rich culture, that it’s hard not to love it and get inspired by it.

What do you love about playing the trombone and piano?  

The two instruments are very versatile, both gives me the freedom to create and perform different styles of music, from classical jazz and pop, salsa and more.

Do you have a favourite musician – how have they inspired you?

I get inspired by the musicians I work with, as well as by the big names in the music world, mostly jazz and funk, constantly searching for new inspirations and motivations, so if I name just few, will be not fair to others.


C*LTURE: Marielle Franco

Born and raised in Maré, a slum in northern Rio de Janeiro, Marielle Franco was a Brazilian human rights activist, politician and feminist.


On a scholarship, Marielle was able to gain a degree in social sciences and later a master's degree in public administration. Her thesis focused on the law enforcement program to retake control of Rio's favelas from gangs. With over 46,500 votes, Marielle won a seat on the Rio de Janeiro city council.


A black woman and single mother from the favelas, Marielle Franco campaigned against gender violence, for reproductive rights, and for the rights of favela residents. Before her murder, Marielle spoke out against the police brutality and violence.


In March 2018, Marielle was assassinated. Two years on, the crime remains unsolved.


?UESTIONS: Bruce Wayne

Professional dancer B-Boy Bruce Wayne is widely known in the world of breaking. In 2007 he joined the internationally renowned group, Total Feeling Crew and his journey began. His musicality and artistic approach has earned him numerous titles.


Bruce Wayne righteously teaches breaking to young people who are out of the school system, as well as taking dance into prisons. He continues to develop a dance programme with children from the National Institute for Young Blind People in Paris.



How would you describe your dance style?

My dance style is the traditional US B-Boy style combined with the French technique. I'm influenced by martial arts, popping, tap dancing to say a few. My style is free form, my mind is always open.


Describe the best performance you’ve ever put on. What did you learn from it?

It was when I won the 7ToSmoke in 2017. It was a solo battle, amongst the best in France, I was ready but I never could imagine that I would have this fire in me. I took 4 points straight, putting out each dancer one by one. I learnt that day that it is important to have confidence as a dancer and also I learnt how important it is to prepare yourself for a battle: workouts, stamina, strategy...


What are the most important traits a dancer should have?

Musicality, originality and authenticity.


Who was your most influential teacher and why?

Karim Barouche. I wouldn't be who I am today without him as a dancer and as a human being. I had the chance to meet him back in 2011 and get into a close relation with him as student and master and friend before all. I was very lucky because people would say it was quite difficult to get along with him and have his respect and acknowledgement.


The Man was a myth, a true legend, a person that people were either afraid of or too shy to approach. I know some great talented dancers that refused to dance in front of Karim out of fear. Simple as that, but when you had his trust, the man had a huge heart for you. I'm glad to say that we built together and I will be forever grateful for all he taught me. May he rest in peace alongside the great legends of our time.


What message do you want to give to your students?

I want them to have fun with it and be free in their dance. I tell them to stay open minded when it comes to other dance styles. It doesn't matter to be"great","excellent" or "the best", most important is to release the desire to have fun and be happy.


What gives you inspiration?

It can be everything. A place, a landscape, a situation, a feeling first of all!


Also my passions, my crew and the people I'm surrounded by. Music of course, art in general!


What philosophy do you live by?

In the past I thought the philosophy of "everything happens for a reason/nothing happens by chance" but I think this tricky... I prefer to embrace the philosophy of life appreciation by doing what you love the most, as much as you can, in the balance of positivity and lucidity of moral.


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