Historias que Inspiran

In response to the growing narratives of distrust and division within the Latin American community, I developed and led a project that used music and storytelling to foster unity and empowerment. Through Cajón workshops I organized via VIA Berlin in 2023, I recognized the need for a creative space where Latin American immigrants in Berlin could share their experiences, combat discrimination, and strengthen their cultural identity. This led to the idea of sharing stories, composing and professionally recording a collective song—one that would serve as a cultural bridge between Berlin and Latin America.

The project consisted of two interactive sessions curated by myself, Lucía Boffo and Isa Otoya, two Latin American artists and composers, where participants engaged in discussions on migration, resilience, and community building. While enjoying Latin American snacks and drinks, attendees collaborated on songwriting, drawing from their personal stories and shared experiences. The result was an original piece carrying messages of strength, unity, and empowerment, reflecting the diverse voices within the community.

To bring the project to life, we conducted a four-day professional recording session in a Kreuzberg studio, where the three of us worked together to structure, record, and produce the final piece. This initiative not only celebrated Latin American heritage but also reinforced a sense of belonging and trust within the immigrant community in Berlin. Through the power of music, the project became a testament to the importance of art in bridging cultural divides and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Funded by: The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in the frame of Demokratie Lebens and VIA Berlin. 

Music Link: https://paulrhythms.bandcamp.com/album/historias-que-inspiran 

 

Peruvian Cajón International Day

The Peruvian Cajón, declared Cultural Heritage of Peru in 2001, is one of the most iconic instruments of traditional music from the Peruvian coast. Its origins are deeply rooted in the history of resistance of Afro-Peruvian communities, and its international recognition came largely through its adoption in Flamenco. However, its cultural significance and importance to the Afro-Peruvian and Peruvian communities worldwide remain largely unknown.

With the aim of honouring and raising awareness of this instrument’s roots, rhythms, and the community that has preserved it, the Berlin-based Peruvian-born artist Paul Hoyle Gutiérrez aka ‘Paulrhythms”, composed a Cajón contrapunto and directed a multicultural ensemble made up mostly of Latin American and German women. This piece was performed in a special pop-up concert at the Brandenburg Gate on August 2, 2024, in commemoration of International Peruvian Cajón Day. Through this initiative, we sought to create cultural bridges between the Global North and South, fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting the recognition of Afro-Peruvian heritage on a global scale.

Materialisierung neuer Koordinaten

This workshop aimed to merge concepts of harmony with nature, community, Andean philosophy, Peruvian gastronomy, and Peruvian music in a single afternoon. Participants began with a guided tour organized by the Weltacker Berlin association under the theme: "What if every person had equal access to all the arable land in the world?" Through this experience, they explored the association’s 2,000 square meters of arable land, which serve as a starting point for research and the dissemination of agro-cultural knowledge.

Next, they took part in a workshop on the Chakana, a symbol of wisdom, order, and Andean balance, where they explored the five elements and their relationship with traditional Peruvian instruments. This session was led by Peruvian artists Ruben Manuel de Intikuren and Paul Hoyle Gutierrez (Paulrhythms), who combined music and reflection to deepen the understanding of these concepts.

Some participants then engaged in a community kitchen, working with traditional ingredients, while others took part in a musical exploration of Peruvian instruments and sounds. To conclude the event, we came together for a feast celebrating teamwork, diversity, and nature.

The workshop methodology encouraged active participation and dialogue, fostering a meaningful reflection on cultural heritage and sustainability.

In Cooperation with: Pankow City Library | Weltacker Berlin e.V. | Intikuren | Sources d’Espoir e.V.
 

Bem-Bon EP

Bem-Bon

Nacido en Perú, este álbum corto recicla ritmos e instrumentos presentes en el abanico cultural del país y en la educación musical de los hermanos Hoyle. El disco es una re-interpretación de elementos musicales Read more

Nacido en Perú, este álbum corto recicla ritmos e instrumentos presentes en el abanico cultural del país y en la educación musical de los hermanos Hoyle. El disco es una re-interpretación de elementos musicales afro-peruanos, que se fusionan con otros estilos y sonidos, dándoles una luz diferente a través de influencias musicales variadas y una presencia importante de sonidos electrónicos.

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