Jon Maia (I)

Born in Urretxu in Gipuzkoa in 1972, Jon Maia is currently one of the Basque Country’s leading bertsolaris (improvisers). He also writes in the press, and is a writer and singer.

His parents are Andalusian. Despite not being of Basque origin, they sent both their children to the Ikastola, a Basque-medium school, to enable them to integrate more easily.

Jon Maia has always felt Basque, but admits he has a dual culture, both "Andalusian and Basque".

‘"What do we know

About what we are and what we were

We have many things to do

We have done a lot

In the sea I want to find

The image of this country

May it always be the same

And always different."

Translation of the improvised verse by Jon Maia.