Growing in cultural diversity

The cantaor Miguel Poveda talks about his view on growing up in diversity from his own personal experience. In an interview with ALMA, organized by the Obra Social “La Caixa”, the artist argues: ““I grew up in a truly cultural diversity”.

Poveda explains that: “As a kid, I recall the women’s voices coming out from windows and balconies, those women could sing. This was a great feeling because in the Badalona I grew up back then was like a little Andalusia integrated in a neighborhood of hard-working humble people where, despite poverty, one could breathe in its musicality and happiness.”

“During my childhood, my dad, a man from Murcia, would play CDs by Pink Floyd, The Beatles or Alan Parsons, while my La Mancha-born mother would make me listen to songs by Bambino, María Jiménez or Manolo Caracol. My neighbours came from all Spanish regions: Extremadura, Galicia, Andalucia… and, likewise, when I went to live in Barcelona, all my friends were from all around the world. In my lifetime, I’ve travelled and worked with musicians from everywhere and, I’ve come to realize that diversity has made me a better person, and enabled me to mature, learn and, in turn, become a better human being. I am a blend of so many different things, to such an extent that I really believe this mix has been the key to my becoming the person I am today.”

«Diversity makes one a better person, and enables one to mature, learn and, in turn, become a better human being.»

From his youth memories, Poveda recalls: “I started singing when I was 15 years old. Flamenco made me wake up and listen to myself; it enabled me to express things that, due to shyness or young age, I didn’t have the courage to say in a normal conversation. At this age, I had very strong feelings inside me which, thanks to music, I managed to release and could listen to myself through the music of the cantaores [Flamenco singers] and cante [Flamenco music]. Sure thing, music is vital to educate children.  My little son is two and a half, and is starting to sing and dance to the sound of music. Music puts him into a state of happiness and euphoria, and this is a great feeling!”

You can read the complete article in ALMA, the social media network aiming to give a new insight into the present and future of society, through optimism and interculturality from all the stories sponsored by Obra Social ”la Caixa”.