Eric Delblond and Zara Asatrian, two IMEP alumni, recently had the opportunity to speak at TEDx events in Guadeloupe and Austria.
Eric Delblond, bassist and composer, graduated from IMEP • Paris College of Music in 2016. Zara Asatrian, singer, former IMEP student, and member of the band Confessions.
Both chose to express themselves through music, making it a true vehicle for identity, transmission, and resilience.
Eric Delblond: It all starts with a clave
During his presentation, Eric Delblond highlights a fundamental element of Afro-Caribbean music: the clave. Behind this seemingly simple rhythmic motif lies an essential structure, present in many musical styles such as salsa, compas, and zouk.
By tracing its African origins and its evolution across the Caribbean territories, he demonstrates how the same rhythmic foundation has traveled, transformed, and nourished different musical identities. Through concrete examples and dynamic interaction with the audience, he illustrates the richness of these cultural cross-pollinations.
Beyond the musical aspect, his message takes on a more personal dimension: the clave becomes a symbol of an inner heritage, an assumed identity, and a culture that is passed down from generation to generation. His message invites everyone to recognize and value their own roots as a source of creativity and cohesion.
Zara Asatrian : A Soundtrack for survival
Alone at the piano, Zara Asatrian shares her own compositions, which she is performing in public for the first time on this occasion. She describes music as a space for freedom and expression, a place where emotions find their form.
Her song I’m All Right, written during a period of doubt, addresses universal themes. The loss of bearings, comparing oneself to others, the difficulty of maintaining self-confidence. Through her lyrics and sincere performance, she conveys a message of hope and rebuilding. The repetition of the chorus becomes a progressive affirmation, a way of reclaiming one’s inner strength.
She also reminds us of the importance of cultivating gratitude and collective energy. She emphasizes how shared artistic moments can bring people together and bring peace.
