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Juan, musician
Juan was born in Guantánamo, in the eastern part of the Island of Cuba (el Oriente) closer to Haïti than Havana. He was trained very young in traditionnal drumming and percussions (El Grupo Folklorico de Guantánamo) and became a principal percussionist in the Grupo Folklorico Ban Rarra from 1994 to 2003. During this period Juan also developed the teaching abilities in music with various Cuban and American institutions such as El Instituto superior del Arte in Havana and Humboldt State University in California. His strong interest for musical exploration and fusion of genres culminated when he joined the Babul Grupo Folklorico in Guantánamo (2004-2007). Today with his exceptional musical talent and sensitivity, Juan demonstrates a savoir-faire that travels easily between those genres providing from Africa to the Carribean, from Cuba to Haiti and Brazil while a rich understanding of the Onente style and the Corneta China. His specific repertoire also includes rhythms and traditions and their historical contexts : Conga oriental, Tajona, Congo Laye, Tumba Francesa, Vodú, Gaga, Rumba orientale, Changuïi Guantanamero and Kanekela.
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