DE LEJITOS BY DARUMA THE FALCON BOY
From the boxing ring to international runways and now the stage, Daruma Almenares has carved a unique path defined by resilience, creativity, and authenticity. Hailing from Cuba, Almenares has worn many hats—professional athlete, model, and now rising rapper—each chapter adding depth and discipline to his journey. His story is one of transformation: from fighting under the bright lights of national television to representing his country on the global modeling stage, and ultimately discovering the liberating power of music as a way to give life to thoughts, emotions, and experiences. With an unwavering belief in persistence and a drive to inspire others, Almenares continues to break boundaries, fusing his passions and heritage into everything he creates. In this conversation with Milan Weekly Magazine, he opens up about the milestones that shaped him, the lessons learned from family, and his aspirations to empower the next generation.
What initially drew you to your current field, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I was really drawn to the idea of being able to create a song from a thought, an experience, or a feeling and see how it transformed into something with its own life. The creative process is something amazing. Being able to create a song from scratch, from your own ideas, and make it come to life is incredible. At first, it wasn’t so great, but I’ve evolved and feel like I’ve been improving every day.
Can you share a pivotal experience that significantly influenced your career or personal growth?
I have lived very beautiful stages that have marked my personal and professional life. When I was a professional boxer, I was lucky enough to fight on national television against a very strong opponent. I didn’t win, but I did receive the recognition from everyone who saw me that night. Seeing myself in front of a lot of people and then on television was amazing. In modeling, I was able to represent Cuba as Mister International 2023 and travel to Thailand to represent Cuba. I have been on the cover of several magazines and have worked with major brands, but what I experienced in Thailand was unique. The country treated you like a superstar, the stages were huge, and the logistics were on another level. It was unique. In music, I have made great strides, but something that did shape my career was being able to open for him and share the stage with one of the biggest Spanish-speaking rappers, El B de los Aldeanos. Seeing him on stage singing live marked a before and after in my career as a rapper.
What hidden talents or hobbies do you have that might surprise people?
I would like to make films. I think I have the potential to do so. It’s something I haven’t done before and could surprise everyone.
How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated in your work?
I feel like inspiration is everywhere. I like to stay positive despite the adversities of everyday life. I always find a moment to create and transform my feelings into art.
Is there a tradition or custom from your upbringing that still holds a special place in your life?
I have practiced combat sports since I was little. My father, a black belt in karate and a boxing and kickboxing coach, instilled in me a training habit that I continue to practice to this day. It keeps me fit, healthy, and full of positive energy.
What has been the most challenging project or situation in your career, and how did you navigate it?
Being on stage has always had a huge impact on me, whether it’s boxing, modeling, or singing. I always feel a lot of pressure knowing that I’m the focus of attention. Public speaking is one of the fears every human being feels, but I try to focus and go with the flow. I’ve had good and bad moments, but each one has helped me keep trying again and again. The key is to keep trying, at least that’s what I think.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your life, and what lessons have they imparted?
Without a doubt, my grandmother has been the most influential person in my life. Despite not being educated, she taught me life lessons in a unique way and with a lot of love. She’s no longer with us physically, but I feel her energy as if she were still alive.
Can you recount a turning point or milestone in your career that was particularly significant?
I think musically, I reached a point where I felt like the way I was creating had improved, and it was with the song “Gato Negro” where I was able to capture many of my experiences in that song. It came out in a different and special way. From that day on, everything changed.
Aside from your professional work, what passions or interests do you pursue?
I feel like boxing, modeling, and music have a lot in common, and I’ve tried to fuse it into everything I do. I’d like to help other people reach their full potential and do what they truly love.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills needed to succeed in your industry?
I believe the quality we all need to achieve our goals is to keep trying, no matter how many doors are closed. I haven’t gotten to where I want to be yet, but I’m still here, trying.
What book, movie, or artistic work has significantly shaped your worldview or professional approach?
The Last Samurai is a movie I watch whenever I can. It shows you in a different way the opportunities the universe gives you, that a lost soul can be saved, that you must fight to the last bit of your strength. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend The Last Samurai by Tom Cruise.
What piece of advice would you offer to someone aspiring to make a mark in your field?
Be authentic. There are many people copying others, and I believe the best way to leave your mark in whatever you’re doing is to be authentic. The road will be harder, but in the end, I know it will bring you great rewards.
How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being?
I try to stay positive. There are times when I can’t find my balance and everything comes crashing down, but I get back up and continue with the same drive and focus. What I try to do is feel grateful for what I’ve been through and what I haven’t. That helps me understand that everything I’ve been through is a gift from life.
If you could collaborate with anyone, past or present, in your field, who would it be and why?
Right now, I don’t have a specific name. I could name many people in my field, but I’d rather wait for that connection to emerge and be able to do something we both want to do.
Looking toward the future, what are your major goals or aspirations, both personally and professionally?
I’d like to reach more people with my music and be able to show the world that it is possible to achieve your dreams. I’d like to open a place to help people with aspirations like mine and give them the tools they need to achieve them. I’d like to have a boxing gym and teach children and young people how to defend themselves and combat bullying.
What are your thoughts on Milan as a hub for creativity and innovation, and how do you think it compares to other major cities in your field?
Milan is a magazine with a fresh air of fashion and elegance. It has a revolutionary yet vintage feel at the same time. I thought it was a great fit for my project. Milan is the capital of fashion, a city with a unique and unparalleled history. One of every model’s dreams is to be able to participate in Milan Fashion Week. As a model, it’s something I’d like to achieve, and as I always say, I’ll keep trying until it becomes a reality.
Photographer: Xphotography1992
IG: xphotography1992
WB: https://www.instagram.com/darumathefalconboy/
Male Model: Daruma Almenares @Posche Models
Song title: “De Lejitos”
Artist and Composer:
“Daruma The Falcon Boy”
Producer and beat maker: Kristiano
ig: @kristiano_beats
Recording studio: Seis music
ig: seismusic_music_wpb
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