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 With parts of London now officially Brazilian (Willesden, Harlesden and bits of Oxford Street being just a few examples) the yellow and green cultural invasion of the UK continues. While carnival may have been and gone the next few months offer some rich pickings for fans of Brzilain music - Joe Kent sifts through some of what is on offer.
DJ Dolores has been described as a 'one-man Tropicalismo movement for the 21st century', has been booked for the La Linea pre-launch on Feb 27th. He and his band Aparhalgem will be launching their '1 Real' album at Cargo and kicking off the yearly Latin music festival. Other artists on the roster this year include Bajfondo Tango Club (ok, not Brazilian but well worth a mention), The Ipanemas, Zuco 103 and Forro in The Dark - all of performing at The Barbican.
The Barbican has carved out quite a niche for itself in playing host to some of Brazil's biggest names and 2008 sees the return of both Gilberto Gil and AfroReggae. Gill, the revolutionary turned Minister for Culture, will be in London on March 31st, and, following the success of their 'From the Favela to the World’ tour, AfroReggae will be back in September with a brand new show.
Also part of La Linea 2008 are two Lotano Presenst events to be held at the Purcell Rooms and feature the work of Brazilian composers Villa Lobos, Francisco Mignone and Nazareth (April 2nd, 9th). Another good day for fans of classical music is Feb 29th as the acclaimed Brazilian Guitar Duo perform an eclectic programme featuring works by Scarlatti, Piazolla and Lora. at the Bolivar Hall
If classical sounds are not you’re thing then fear not as funk carioca is hitting the capital with full force in March. The Galtymore Club in Cricklewood may be better know for global grooves of a different sort - those from the Emerald Isle, but on March 7th it will play home to what is being billed as the UK’s first baile funk night. Featuring Tati Quebra Barraco and MCs Cidinho and Doca this is one not to be missed if you have even the remotest interest in Brazilian funk.
Another rare opportunity presents itself on April 12th when hip hop pioneers Os Racionais MC’s will perform at the Club Coliseum. They are the elder statesmen of Brazilian hip hop and its hard to over emphasise their influence on that sound. They started off in the outskirts of Sao Paulo in the late 80s and continue to command a huge following today. Expect gritty vocals and grimey beats.
One man who by now should need no introduction is Seu Jorge - he’ll be performing at the Royal Festival Hall on May 21st. The sambista, actor, social activist and all round polyglot also has a new film slated for release soon - 'The Escapist' is expected in cinemas by mid April.
On a sadder note we must also report the demise of Brazilian Contemporary Arts - the organisation which has spent more than 25 years feverishly promoting Brazilian culture in the UK. They were the first to regularly showcase Brazilian cinema in London, to offer a comprehensive range of Portuguese classes and to get the English interested in names like Gilberto Gil, Milton Nacimento and Chico Buarque.
If closure of BCA House in Cheswick proves permanent it will be a great loss to all those with even a passing interest in Brazil. You can show your support by emailing
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