About

Rafael Slors (23) is a versatile jazz drummer from Nijmegen, Netherlands, and a graduate of Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam. Known for blending jazz, pop, and classical influences, Rafael has quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the Dutch music scene. He has performed with the Jong Metropole Orkest (2024) and at the Edison Jazz & Klassiek Awards (2023). Rafael was also a finalist for the Erasmus Jazz Prize with his own trio and plays in the Jadi Peperzak Quartet, which won the Conservatory Talent Award in 2024.

In 2025, he toured through India and Thailand with the New York Round Midnight Orchestra as part of the World Jazz Festival, gaining international stage experience and reaching new audiences.

Over the years, Rafael has shared the stage and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Marius Beets, Rolf Delfos, Lucas Santana, Alexander Beets, Dennis van Aarssen, Steffen Morrison, Simon Dopson, Jacomo Bairos, and Ben van den Dungen.

While his drumming style draws from a wide range of genres, it is especially in his own compositions where Rafael’s fusion of jazz, pop, and classical music truly shines. With his dynamic approach to rhythm and sound, he is steadily making a name for himself in the Dutch music scene. His ability to blend different influences and create distinctive musical textures reflects his ongoing drive to expand his artistic boundaries.

In addition to performing, Rafael also works as a drum teacher. He has taught at various levels and was involved as a junior teacher during the JazzAkademie week in Heek, working alongside renowned drummer Joost Patocka.