Ana Maria FORERO CRUZ
Singer, musician

Ana Maria received a creative grant in partnership with the Atelier des Artistes en Exil.

What is your artistic background ?
I am a multi-disciplinary artist, a singer, composer and performer, sometime dancer and actress, with musical experience that stems from my sound research, my personal experience as a Latin American woman and my journey on the urban scene, since 2004, in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and now in France. After my first album Semilla Amor Vital, in collaboration with the reggae band Jahlfaomega, today I create various songs with a more intimate and contemporary sound, that aims to immerse the listener in an atmosphere that freely fuses elements of electronic music, traditional rhythms and contemporary styles, mainly Latin, with a lyrical sincerity that suggests personal transformation, love, movement, respect for nature and life.

How do you view your profession today ?
It is a profession that continues to be a powerful element of communication, social transformation and reflection of our human condition. It is a profession that is sometimes difficult for artists who do not follow the norm, those who have their own voice and those who represent the voice of a community. The profession can be easier for artists who are merely a part of the entertainment industry. Today's artist risks being ephemeral, an object of consumption, after having been a tireless worker for very little pay. On the other hand, today's artist can still have his or her own community and reach many parts of the world. Today's artist is not just a spokesperson, but also an entrepreneur, designer, producer, etc. The profession is going through a difficult period, with a decaying economic system that humiliates it. But art and its different forms always find wonderful ways to surprise and renew themselves, that's why I want to continue to be an artist.

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? In 10 years ?
I am currently going through challenges on all levels. I accept them and welcome them in my life. However, I would like to continue to work, on an ongoing basis, to exhibit a diversity of audio and visual materials each year, both live and on virtual platforms. In five years, I hope to have consolidated my project and gathered an artistic team to participate in different festivals in Europe and America. In 10 years, I would like my artistic project to continue to transform in the world, in search of more sounds and experiences, and to serve as a voice and reference for different causes of social and environmental change.

Interview conducted in 2021
Photography credit : Julia Grandperret