New documentary to explore the Catalan rumba through the life of influential artist Peret

Barcelona (ACN).- Filming is currently underway for a documentary that will explore the origins and development of the Catalan rumba. This unique genre began during the 1960s in the Raval district of Barcelona and combines the passion that exists in the flamenco rumba but also incorporates the rhythm of both mambo and of rock. The project is called ‘Cuchibiri cuchibiri’ and focuses on the life of the Catalan rumba artist Peret, who is considered one of the founders of the genre and an influential figure within Barcelona’s gypsy community. The documentary will be directed by Carles Prats, a filmmaker who specialises in popular culture. Prats noted that Peret is an “important figure” of music in our country, and is the Catalan rumba’s equivalent of “Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley” in that he is “a creator and performer” of a new music genre. The filming of ‘Cuchibiri cuchibiri’ began in early August and it is hoped that the project will be finished by the end of September. Some initial scenes of the documentary – given by the director to the CNA – concentrate on Peret, but one can also begin to see the development of the genre of music that is centred in Barcelona.

The film will explore the creation of the Catalan rumba which developed from the flamenco rumba but was also influenced by Latin American music as well as rock. It also differentiated itself by using Palmas (handclapping) that keep the tempo as well as a new form of guitar playing known as the ‘ventilador’. The documentary will also detail the second generation of the Catalan rumba which continued the music’s legacy following the years when Peret devoted himself exclusively to the Evangelical Church of Philadelphia. It will finally document where the genre lies today, with the innovations of Lady Gipsy that has incorporated Funk, as well as Miliu who has reclaimed the pure original sound of the music.

Peret: the first major Catalan rumba star

Carles Prats was interested in Peret from conversations with, Jordi Ragna, the tour manager of the gypsy musician. Peret today is a grandfather of 78 years who, according to Prats, “still moves the public with his performances”. The filmmaker was particularly interested in the “reinvention” of the musician who is very sceptical of the music industry as a whole.

The director

Carles Prat is the director and writer of numerous music and cultural documentaries, and had notable success in 2011 with ‘Quiero tener una ferrertería en Andalucía’ (I want to have an ironmonger’s in Andalucía) which notes the time when lead singer of The Clash, Joe Strummer, spent time in southern Spain. The film received critical acclaim in numerous international film festivals.