Musician Tupac is not dead. In fact he’s part of the 200 strong orchestra and choir performing a new work this week in Auckland.
Grammy nominated percussionist Tupac Mantilla doesn’t mind being compared to his namesake Tupac Shakur. In fact, it’s the name that brings in a new audience.
Grammy nominated percussionist Tupac Mantilla Photo: Tupac Mantilla
At least that’s what he’s hoping will happen when he performs Space Beyond Space with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Auckland Choral on Thursday.
“I always answer I’m the ‘real’ one,” he laughs. “I’m the Tupac that’s alive at this point… and it’s a name that works as a percussionist. It’s a very rhythmical name.”
The 39 year old originally from Colombia is also highly creative. His star is rising thanks to the development of programmes and workshops based around body percussion.
Body percussionist Tupac Mantilla Photo: Tupac Mantilla
The body “is an instrument that we all have and all share,” Tupac says. “Rhythm starts with you. You don’t need anything to find a rhythm as you are a rhythm.”
Body percussion involves drumming on different part of your body. Each part resonates differently. And each body sounds different to the next. “When you start exploring, everyone has a specific sound and rhythm,” Tupac says.
One of his favourite areas is the chest, which offers a “good, deep sound”. But clapping offers the most resonance. “You find [clapping] across cultures. It’s a great way to comminute,” he says.
Tupac is also researching how changes in our bodies can affect the percussive sound, including aging or bulking up with weight training. But he says being a percussionist is very physical.
Body percussion can also be used to ease the mind. “[you can] transcend with it. Eventually get to know yourself better… as a human,” he says. “Find your own rhythm and convey what you believe about life and music.”
Tupac Mantilla teaching with composer & percussionist Reinhard Flatischler Photo: Tupac Mantilla
Space Beyond Space composed by Reinhard Flatischler & Johnny Bertle, with Tupac Mantilla, has its world premiere Thursday at the Auckland Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Auckland Choral. It is part of the Orchestra’s Beethoven and Beyond performance.
