Jose Ferrera Mulen
Born in Guantanamo , Cuba in 1968, Jose began his study of Afro-Cuban folkloric percussion in 1978, and joined ‘Danza Libre’ – an internationally acclaimed dance and percussion company in 1993. His daily work with Danza Libre gave him valuable experience in both performance and teaching, and led to his recognition as a master percussionist. He continued this work until he came to live permanently in England in 2005. Danza Libre have performed and taught all over Cuba as well as internationally.
In 1998 he formed ‘Ara y Rawo’ - a ‘rhumba’ group of 10 performers which he managed until 2005. ‘Ara y Rawo’ is Yoruba for ‘ Land of Stars ’. The group performed regularly in cabaret and ran a weekly programme to promote rhumba to the young people of Cuba . Jose first came with Danza Libre came to England in 2001 and toured all over the country, including the Womad Festival (main stage), Glastonbury Festival BBC TV – The Generation Game, Leeds Festival and many more
In 2003 Jose settled in England as a solo artist and started teaching professional percussionists, including Danny Howard, Marcus Patterson and Jon Halls. He also performed with the famous Moudou Diouf from Senegal, at the ‘Royal Festival Hall’ Jose then returned to Cuba and spent the next 2 years touring and teaching all over the country including the ‘Danza de la Calle’, Havana and the ‘Teatro Prinzipal’ Baracoa. He also formed a youth band in Guantanamo – ‘Talentoso de la Cabia’.
We are feel so lucky to have such a talented and humble artist working with us