Join Forces with Florecita to Bring Music to Kids

Hey there fam!

I'm reaching out to you as the coordinator and trainer for the Semi Vida y Paz folk music project, where we're aiming to set up a musical school in the vibrant community of Nueva Jerusalén. We've got big dreams of creating a safe and educational musical space for the awesome kids and young minds in this neighbourhood.

But, guess what? We can't do it alone, and that's where you come in! We're in the early stages of the project, and we're on the lookout for some fantastic people and organizations who are as committed to community well-being and growth as we are.

We require building materials like wood, palm, cement, steel rods, sand, or soil, as well as skilled hands to help us construct a cool little kiosk that will kickstart our musical school.

Your generosity and support would mean the world to us and, most importantly, to the children and youth of Nueva Jerusalén. Whether you can pitch in with materials, cash donations, or even your time and services, every little bit counts! And hey, we're not shy about expressing our gratitude – your name will be up in the lights (or at least acknowledged publicly) if that's your thing!

I'm here to chat and provide any extra info you might need about this project and how you can jump on the musical bandwagon.

Thanks a million for considering our beat, and we're super hopeful that we can team up to turn this dream into reality for the community.

Keep the rhythm alive!

Florecita y su Tambó.

Coordinator, Semi Vida y Paz.

FLOR MARINA ESPITIA PÉREZ (Florecita y su Tambó), born July 11, 1996, in the municipality of Arboletes, Antioquia, is the daughter of María Yamileth Pérez and Wilmar Espitia. From her early years, she demonstrated a deep love for traditional folk music, especially the "Bullerengue". Her connection with this artistic expression was forged within her family, where her mother was an outstanding Bullerenguera in the group Orgullo de Antioquia, marking the starting point of her musical career.

Currently, Flor plays both artistic and professional roles. In addition to her dedication to music, she also works as an administrative assistant and nursing assistant. Her outgoing personality and happiness define her as an enterprising, talented and visionary woman.

Throughout her career, Flor has proven to be an outstanding cultural exponent on the stages she steps on. She proudly represents the rich heritage of Arboletes and the Urabá region, elevating the artistic skills that identify her as a true ambassador of her people.

Flor stands out as a woman drummer in a field historically dominated by men. The opportunity to stand out and make her mark as a woman in this art has been rewarding, allowing her to challenge gender stereotypes and demonstrate that women can also be powerful and skilled drummers. Through her music, Flor has found a voice to express her identity and to convey her passion for music.

Her recognition as a master drummer in national festivals is remarkable. In 2012, she was named Young Talented Woman of Urabá. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, she stood out as the Best Tamborera at the Festival Nacional Del Bullerengue in María La Baja, Bolívar. Likewise, in 2017 and 2019, she received the title of Best Tamborera at the Festival Nacional Del Bullerengue in Puerto Escondido, Córdoba.

Flor Marina Espitia Pérez has had the privilege of collaborating with several outstanding artists, significantly enriching her musical career. Among these important collaborators are Smith Rivera Márquez, known as "La Poderosa del Bullerengue", the group Patrimonio Afrocultural Bananeras de Urabá (PABUT), Darlina Sáenz, Mathieu Ruz, Ever Suarez, Stefanny Cotera, José Ángel Oviedo, Freddy Suárez, Armando Salazar, Rosario Berrio Cogollo, Jerson Serna, among others. This collaboration has represented Flor Marina as a valuable opportunity to explore new styles and broaden her scope as a drummer, playing a significant role in her growth as a musician and artist.

Currently, Flor Marina leads several musical projects, being the mastermind behind the youth Bullerengue group "Son Tradicional" and the collective "Bulla De Mujeres". She also promotes a folk music seedbed called "Semi Vida Y Paz". Her commitment to the preservation and dissemination of culture is also manifested in her role as legal representative of the Corporación Poder Diverso Arboletes (Corpod-Ar).

Flor Marina Espitia Pérez is developing upcoming projects, highlighting her collaboration with Semivida y Paz for the creation of a musical house for the children and youth of Uraba, Antioquia. This project aims to establish a space where music serves as a tool to promote peace and empowerment in the community. Before starting the construction of this musical house, the team is dedicated to the search and financing of the right lot to carry out this ambitious project.

Additionally, Flor is a leader and collaborates with the Corporación Poder Diverso Arboletes in the implementation of social welfare activities. These activities focus on fostering a culture of respect for sexual diversity and gender identity. Through academic research, case documentation and training in the recognition of equal rights, as well as advocacy for public policies and affirmative actions for the LGBTI population in Arboletes, we hope to create a significant impact on society. These projects reflect Flor Marina's ongoing commitment to using music as a tool for social change and inclusion.

Flor Marina Espitia Pérez continues her fascinating artistic journey, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural scene, promoting the identity of Arboletes and enriching the folkloric tradition of Bullerengue.