About

Rafael Slors (23) is a versatile drummer from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, with a strong foundation in jazz, pop, and classical music. A graduate of Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, Rafael has quickly made a name for himself in the Dutch music scene.

He has performed with the Jong Metropole Orkest (2024) and at the Edison Jazz & Klassiek Awards (2023). With his own trio, he was a finalist for the Erasmus Jazz Prize, and as a member of the Jadi Peperzak Quartet, he won the Conservatory Talent Award in 2024.

In 2025, Rafael toured across India and Thailand with the New York Round Midnight Orchestra as part of the World Jazz Festival, gaining valuable international experience and connecting with new audiences.

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

While his playing is shaped by many different genres, it’s in his own compositions that Rafael’s unique blend of jazz, pop, and classical elements truly comes to life. Known for his dynamic approach to rhythm and texture, he continues to push his artistic boundaries and develop a distinctive musical voice.

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