Brasil, Tô Dentro (Brazil, I’m in) is an open air celebration of Brazilian arts and music set to take place on the banks of the River Thames on July 2nd. The free all day event is designed to show that there is more to Brazil than football fever. Legendary creators of samba-rock Trio Mocoto are headlining the event and will be supported by UK based Brazilians including DJ Franco, of Manchester fame, and Baseado with their blend of samba-funk, as well as British Batmacumba DJ, DJ Cliffy. The London School of Samba will be on hand to keep you feet moving/hips swaying and some of London’s leading Capoeiristas will be in attendance.
This summer will also see the first ever UK performance by Ivete Sangalo; queen of Brazilian music. Ivete, as she is affectionately known to her fans, has achieved phenomenal success in her home country and enjoys a Madona like status there. She has sold over 11 million records and mesmerised a nation with her sultry voice, hypnotic dance moves and energy packed shows. Since her debut in 1995 she has notched up at least one top 5 hit every year and her recent MTV Ao Vivo (MTV Live) release is now Brazil’s best ever selling DVD. After her two initial shows at the Shepard’s Bush Empire and Guanabara (June 21st, 22nd) sold out in less than a week, an additional Hammersmith Apollo date has been added on June 23rd.
As if this is not enough the Barbican are still forging ahead with their Tropicalia programme and future shows include Gilberto Gil (June 26th), Sergio Mendes (July 27th) and Marisa Monte (September 29th). The Barsil, Brasileiro show is also set to hit Sadler’s Wells this summer and kicks of with a mini carnival on June 22nd.
Just as the number of those sporting yellow shirts and a plethora of Joga Bonita paraphernalia seems to be doubling by the day, the number of London bars jumping on the bandwagon and offering Brazil themed World Cup parties is growing with an unstoppable force. That said there are a number of events that are just as much about the music as they are about football. Jungle Drums, Brazilian magazine and long term purveyors of all things Brazilian in the UK are doing their bit at Dingwalls in Camden. As well as the football you’ll be treated to some live music, Brazilian DJs and a selection of short films. Cargo is serving up a feast of Brazilian beats alongside each game courtesy of the likes of DJ Rodolfo and Giles Peterson, while Guanabara always deserves a mention when it comes to Brazilian goings on.
While the rest of the world is yet to be convinced by Brazil’s performance in the World Cup, the Brazilian’s themselves seem to have little doubt as to what they are capable of. Olodum, sensations in their own country, have already announced that they will be performing on cup final day at what is set to be the UK’s biggest Brazilian party. The location is the Hammersmith Palais and more details will follow shortly.
For more information on all these events check out the following:
www.jungledrums.org
www.todentro.co.uk
www.guanabara.co.uk
www.barbican.org.uk/tropicalia/home
www.cargo-london.com
www.qbrasil.com
Words By: Joe Kent
