Artists
Robbe Latré (°1993), alias Robbe Bey, is a creative centipede balancing between music and social engagement. They are therefore the source of inspiration par excellence for his artistic and other twists and turns. From his home base in Brussels, he approaches the world in various guises: as a musician and bandleader, but also as a teacher, youth worker and anthropologist.
As a trumpet player and bandleader in techno brass band NAFT and afro groove machine M.CHUZI, he regularly tours in Belgium and abroad, fusing his trumpet with guitar effects into an exciting, hybrid sound. As a teacher and youth worker, he immerses himself in the challenging social fabric of Brussels. And as a trained anthropologist, he nurtures a relentless curiosity for anything that tastes like a cultural curry.
In 2023, Robbe received a wild card from MetX to artistically deepen this ‘grand écart’. Above all an inspirator, connector and assembler of musical energy in the broadest sense of the word, he focuses on collective composition and alternative, accessible forms of improvisation.
In the slipstream of contemporary jazz musicians such as Makaya McCraven and Tijn Wybenga, he puts together a collective of musicians to bridge the gap between improvisation and composition. Inspired by Moroccan gnawa, Indian raga and Beninese groove traditions and their resonance in Brussels, Robbe goes in search of a unique sound palette that reflects the metropolitan musical diversity and jazz attitude. Using (public or private) jam formats, samples and digital collage techniques, he wants to open the door to a wider audience of both musicians and music lovers. After first try-outs on October 7 during the Colora Festival in Leuven and on January 24 at Paleis305 in Schaerbeek, a next one will take place on 30 May @ Au Bassin in Brussels as part of vi.be’s Stoemp! sessions.
