During her performances at the International Jazz Plaza Festival, Cecilia Krull delivered on her promise: “A flavorful repertoire that tells a bit of my story, my roots in jazz.”

She dared to include “a bolero and some French music as well. My father is French, and since I’m multicultural, I wanted to share that multiculturality with you. And, of course, a lot of jazz, which has been the most influential force in my life.”

We were delighted, enchanted, because this woman, a cappella and without any formalities, sang for us right in the middle of the press conference the theme song from La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), a series that captivated us season after season. She confessed that being in Cuba, at this festival…

“Feels like a dream… this is essential, a necessity both for those who come to listen and for those of us who get to share. Music is about vibrating; it is a message. Jazz is a lifestyle, not just a musical genre —it is something that runs through your veins. So, I truly believe it is essential that we have the opportunity to connect. Social media allows us to follow many people, but in the end, being able to look each other in the eyes, to play together, to go to jam sessions, to share —that creates a kind of laboratory where magical things emerge.

“In the end, it is about transmitting a message of love and life, so I am happy, and whenever we can promote festivals like this, especially one that brings together so many bands, it’s a dream, truly.”

We welcomed her to the island of music, already fascinated by that powerful voice we had heard in our homes through films like Tres Metros Sobre el Cielo (Three Steps Above Heaven) or the wildly popular series La Casa de Papel. However, this Spanish composer and singer returned the sentiment tenfold:

“I come from the jazz school. My father is a pianist, a composer… Life has led me to work on many audiovisual projects, both films and series, and that is what has given me global presence and made me more popular. But I truly come from the jazz school, so it is also a responsibility. I came here with great respect, having had the chance to share the stage with artists I deeply admire.”

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff