Exclusive Interview with Tomás LP Cruz, Founder and Director of the Tensamba Festival

➡️

Exclusive Interview with Tomás LP Cruz, Founder and Director of Tensamba

The Tensamba Festival is celebrating its 22nd edition this year, establishing itself as an international benchmark for Brazilian culture and music in the Canary Islands and other countries. We spoke with Tomás LP Cruz, one of its founders and directors, who shares the essence of the festival, his motivations, and the most significant moments.

The Origins of the Festival

What personally motivated you to create a festival dedicated to Brazilian music?
My unconditional passion and love for MPB (Brazilian Popular Music).

Cultural Impact of Tensamba

What cultural impact do you think Tensamba has had in promoting Brazilian music outside of Brazil?
It has had a significant impact; it has been 22 years of promoting Brazilian popular music beyond Brazil. Many artists have come to Europe for the first time thanks to Tensamba. There are very few recognised artists in Brazil who have not participated in the festival or at least are not aware of its existence.

Tensamba on a Personal Level

What does Tensamba mean to you on a personal level?
A way of life.

Connections Between Brazil and the Canary Islands

How do you think Brazilian culture impacts that of the Canary Islands? What connection do you perceive between these two cultures?
The two cultures share a lot, particularly in the warmth of the people. Besides this, the historical connections are much closer than people realise.

The Canary Islands as the Festival’s Epicentre

What role do the Canary Islands play in the festival’s journey, and why do they remain a must-visit location?
The Canary Islands are the origin of the festival; that has not changed and cannot be changed. Although the festival has grown over the years, the Canary Islands remain the epicentre of Tensamba, and it is the geographic location where most activities take place. Moreover, a loyal audience has been built thanks to years of consistent effort.

Memorable Moments

What was the most exciting or significant moment you have experienced in these 22 years of Tensamba?
There have been many hugely emotional moments, but perhaps the celebration of 50 years of Bossa Nova with the performance we created for the occasion stands out as one of the most significant.

The Excitement of Continuing to Create

After 22 editions, what continues to excite or inspire you about this project?
Essentially, the ability to continue to promote a culture like the Brazilian one, which has given me so much throughout my life.

Personal Connection to Brazilian Music

Where does your connection with Brazilian music stem from? What does it awaken in you?
It has been with me since birth. I grew up with it thanks to my uncle Tomy, who lived with us and spent his days listening to it.

Musical Preferences

Do you have a favourite song or artist?
I don’t think I could answer that; there are simply too many artists and songs.

Tensamba Worldwide

This year Tensamba is taking place in Japan and Spain; would you like to further bring Brazilian music and culture to other countries around the world?
Absolutely, that is the intention, but it requires a significant amount of work and time.

The Unexpected Side of the Festival

What has been the most unexpected thing that has happened during an edition of the festival?
Over the years, so much has happened, but one memorable day was when we celebrated a major event featuring four bands from different states of Brazil on Fuencarral Street in Madrid. The logistics were extensive, and the stakes were high, but that day Madrid was hit by one of the largest storms I have ever witnessed. In short, I still don’t know how, but somehow the universe wanted the event to happen, and at 5:00 PM, it kicked off with only an hour’s delay and a completely clear sky.

Looking Back and Forward

What would you say to the Tomás of twenty-two years ago who started Tensamba?
I would tell him that he had no idea what it would become, something that started as a youthful dream.

What dream do you still want to fulfil with Tensamba?
To continue celebrating it with enthusiasm until I no longer have the strength.

Which artist would you like to have at Tensamba that has not been possible so far?
Essentially, those whom we were unable to bring will no longer be able to come due to their age. From the new generation, I might mention Diogo Nogueira, among others.

How do you imagine Tensamba in ten years?
I am someone who lives in the present or short-term; I cannot imagine anything in ten years. I only hope to have the health and enthusiasm to continue celebrating the festival in one form or another.

Tomás López-Perea Cruz

Tomás López-Perea Cruz (San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife) began his studies in piano and music theory at the age of seven at the Conservatory of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where he later obtained a diploma in double bass. He continued his training in Barcelona, Madrid, and London, graduating from the Liceu Conservatory and specialising at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a scholarship, while also expanding his studies in Baroque music and cultural management at the University of London.

His career combines performance, teaching, and cultural management: he served as manager of the Autonomous Organisation of Musical Activities of La Laguna (2011-2018), directing the programming for the Teatro Leal and various musical and educational projects. He has worked in London, Tokyo, and Tenerife in fields such as production, event coordination, and teaching at professional and higher conservatories.

El Almacén Hosts the Pedro Rosa Quintet Concert at the Tensamba Festival

• Lanzarote is preparing to host one of the most anticipated evenings of contemporary Brazilian music. On Friday 5th September at 8:00 PM, the Pedro Rosa Quintet will perform live, presenting their acclaimed work “Midnight Alvorada” at El Almacén as part of the 22nd edition of the Tensamba Festival.

For more information, visit the official website: www.tensamba.com