Afro-Brazilian Polyrhythm!
BRAZILIAN AFRO POP!
Gil Felix Band!
Releaseparty for the album Ubalafon, Mills Records, September 28, 2024 in Stockholm.
Setlist: Cachoeira - Pai Pirou- Depois que o Ilê Passar - Ubalafon - Kanga Musa
Lineup: Guitar and vocals Gil Felix, lead guitar Homero Alvarez, bass Carolina Setubal, drum Celso Paco, keyboard Mats B Olsson, percussion Kebba Jobz, Mzwakhe Dumzara
Sambuê. Latest single!
Sambuê carries a warm pan-African message and takes us on a musical journey through Salvador de Bahía, with tributes to Afro-Brazilian icons such as Olodum, Ilê Aiyê, Filhos de Ghandy, and Carlinhos Brown. The journey is topped with Swahili swing and rooted in the Samburu people of the Rift Valley, the cradle of humanity..
Sambuê brings trans-Atlantic danceable groove from the burning sun on both sides of the ocean.
Mairê!
“Mairê” is a vibrant track that transcends musical boundaries, uniting the best of world music and afrobeat in a rich sonic tapestry. The pulsating, swinging percussion creates the perfect foundation for an explosion of wind instruments that fill the room with energy and vivacity. The highlight, however, is the skillful interplay of melodic voices that, in harmonic layers, lead the track with lightness and intensity, evoking a festive and engaging atmosphere. “Mairê” is a sonic celebration that blends tradition and modernity, providing a unique and captivating experience. / Radio Armazem
"Gil Felix’s contributions extend beyond entertainment, serving as a medium for cultural education and connecting audiences to the rich history of Bahia and the African diaspora." Rhythm Passport
Lyrics interpreted into English
Kanga Musa
Mandinga de mandingueiro,
King Kanga Musa
In the 12th and 15th century
It all happened then
They traded salt and gold
And made Europe rich
The African gold and labour
Financed the expeditions
That conquered America
The American products
Gold, potatoes, corn
Fed the whole world
Don´t forget about the indigenous people
This is just a little piece
From this absurd history
Don´t discriminate the immigrants
The children of human history
Ubalafon
I'm living my life
I know I'm not immortal
I hope I can make you sensibel,
for you to understand
Rare things, not exact, not measurable
The man, the earth, the nude body
There is no sense in the human race
in some human beings
In some there is no sense
Make love not war
Sometimes I love, sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I love, sometimes I don’t
The black mans´ instruments
is not just Ubalafon
Make love not war
Cachoeira
During the sugar cane period
The city of Cachoeira was the official door
Portuguese Slavery, Mandinga
Capoeira for Liberation
Sudanese is the black from the city,
Bantu from the sugarcane fields
When I sing, I dance and express myself
So help me God
Ou Caule Grajaú Zuputulu
Caule Cachoeira City
There was one princess
who signed our abolition
Was she very good
or did she just like black men?
Henrique was chasing the slaves
Zumbi defended them.
Zumbi is the national hero.
Henrique was forgotten
Mandinga is a black thing,
Mandinga is knowing how to play
Who don’t know how to play,
slip in the capoeira
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