“Num dia de sol Berlin acordou
Com a mesma fedentina do dia anterior“

Berlin, Friday the 21st of July 2023

The year was 1994: the journalist Enio Vieira, always attentive to music releases, presented the first album of the band Chico Science and Nação Zumbi to his girlfriend, now wife, and a close friend of mine at the time, Taciana Collet. I remember him being very excited, and rightfully so. The 90s began in a very challenging way in Brazil: Collor’s government, frozen bank accounts, bankruptcy of countless companies, unemployment, inflation, corruption, endless scandals, and hunger! It was fertile ground for the emergence of a new countercultural movement in Northeast Brazil: the “manguebeat,” with heavy sounds and lyrics denouncing social and political issues.

Since then, much has happened. Chico Science died in 1997 in a car accident. But the band continued, without Chico Science but with respect for his legacy. Not all bands act this way, but that’s another matter. Chico Science was replaced by Jorge du Peixe as the lead vocalist, whom I’ve been a fan for such long time. However, despite being Brazilian and a big fan, I had never had the opportunity to see their live show. Brazil is vast, and free will is just an illusion!

When I found out that the band would perform in Berlin, I was overjoyed. It would be my first time, yet another of my “first times” that would happen here. I can’t complain! And the venue couldn’t have been better: the Haus der Kulturen der Welt was always a place I wanted to visit but hadn’t had the opportunity yet. A Brazilian acquaintance had already told me so much about this place, “how come you haven’t been there yet? It’s totally your thing!”

But the city is vast, and even after three years here, I still feel like a tourist, visiting places and events I’ve always dreamed of with so much enthusiasm. Berlin isn’t always a friendly place for unaware and emotional people, but if there’s one thing people here know how to do, it’s cultural events. Right up my alley! And this one was no different. The venue was truly incredible, and the golden hour added a special touch to the atmosphere. And what can I say about the sound system… MEIN GOTT! Of course, some people complained because, you know, according to my first German teacher, Brazilians like to complain. True! Jorge Du Peixe said he couldn’t sing any louder, and that the PAs were already adjusted. It was also heartwarming to see the excitement of some “non-Brazilians” watching the band’s unconventional lineup: four, sometimes five percussionists, one guitar, one bass, and vocals. Our Recife heavy metal is fantastic and got everyone dancing. Well, almost (laughs).

As the event coincided with an African exhibition program, the Africans who were present at the show did not disappoint either, quite the contrary. Our groove comes from there, and we know it.
At one point, Jorge commented: “Brazil is not just samba and bossa nova.”
Exactly! It’s difficult and complicated to reduce a country of continental proportions to just one or two things.

We are many, we are diverse, and miscegenation has only amplified our multiple talents as humans. Simple and clear as it sounds!

The 2020s in Brazil also started very troubled, with our country in mourning, divided, fascists coming out of the closet and showing their ugly faces, people seeking refuge elsewhere. But we still hope for redemption. In the audience, in Berlin, on that day, it was beautiful to see the countless red caps of the MST (Landless Workers’ Movement) and everyone celebrating together united by the music.
At the end of the show, Jorge du Peixe raised his right hand and made the “L” gesture (referring to the current government of Lula and the end of the dark era in Brazil), and the heavy maracatu weighed more than a ton in the soul of everyone who left happy to wander that day.