In Portrait: Rafa Navarro

In Portrait: Rafa Navarro

Musician & Percussionist / Valencia - Spain

Rafa Navarro

Rafa Navarro

Hello Rafa, nice that you took the time for this short interview.



Describe a “normal day” in your life.


I appreciate the morning routine like yoga, swimming in the sea and the time I take to play music. In the afternoon I play live music in a dance conservatory. And I always try to spend time with my family and friends.



When did music come into your life?


Before I was born. I come from a family of musicians.



What instruments do you play?


I love drums, piano and electronic devices.



When and how did you get to know the HOKEMA instruments?


A few years ago. The sound quality of Hokema instruments is amazing and always perfect 🤩.



Do you think the sansula can be considered a “serious” instrument?


Every instrument has infinite potential and with the Kalimba you have a huge range of tones to choose from. I also firmly believe that the Kalimba can always surprise you!



How and when do you use the Sansula / Kalimba?


When I perform in theaters, for example, or before going to bed. I play something for my wife when she has menstrual pain. The Hokema instruments are also my constant companions on flights or when I play music in hospitals.



How do listeners react to the instruments and their sounds?


They are always impressed by the warm sounds and the atmosphere they create. They respond with a smile and are always grateful to hear these sounds.



What is your favorite HOKEMA instrument?


The Renaisence Sansula is my favorite. Sensitive and brilliant sound.



Biographical information on the career


Rafa Navarro | percussionista

Senior teacher of percussion at the Professional Conservatory of Valencia. Creative musician and composer. Master in Music Research (VIU), Master in Modern Music (Berklee). Professor at the IASE Master. Guest speaker and lecturer at CEFIRE, PERCUFEST, TEDx, Radford University (USA), Guyoutx (China) and at conservatories and festivals throughout Europe. All this combined with a rich artistic life in which he shares the stage with great international artists. Music recording, creator of APPs and educational platforms. Awarded with prizes in international competitions and contests and a YouTube channel with more than 30,000 daily visits.

Rafa Navarro

Interview: Sascha (Team Hokema)