Does your career make you feel more passionate?
Yes, I don’t see myself doing anything else. My father was an officer in the Brazilian army. In the beginning, he didn’t want me to be a musician because he is a black man from a very poor family. He was emancipated at 16 so he could enter the army. My great-grandmother was a slave in Brazil so my grandfather wanted to change things for our family. So, he emancipated my father so that he could go into the army. My heart was in music, my family was also musicians. I am very happy to do what I do.
When did you realize you wanted to do music?
At 16 I started, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I started to do work in going into gigs. Fortunately, my family knew some of the musicians that also wanted to do music which allowed me to start playing in gigs.
How many years have you been doing this?
40 years as an educator and doing music since I was 16. In my free time, I like to ride my bike and motorcycle. I like to play chess too.
What steps did you take to begin your career?
It would be, Following mentors and being a part of student showcases
How did you go from a teacher to an artist?
Music is connected to education. When I learned to do music I wanted to share what I knew about music. For me it makes me feel complete performing and being able to talk about my country and culture. I want to share all of this. “Do you miss being a teacher” – Yes I do, I also miss being a principal, but I quit because it was too big. I managed 100 teachers and 92 staff. And it was the biggest public school in South America. I didn’t feel like I was doing much for my community, as a teacher I think we do much more in the classroom because you are doing direct work with your peers. It’s an opportunity for you to have better relationships with students and other peers.
How does your ethnicity shape who you are?
I am very proud of where I come from, coming from Salvador in Bailla Brazil. It was the first place that the Portuguese were born (sic) and is where most African-descended people live, which makes me very proud. We play music and eat food and drinks that come from our African heritage. In Brazil there are still a lot of people that don’t value their own culture, they prefer American food or music. I am glad that my family and those around me really valued their own culture which helped me value myself. I have 100% Brazilian and/or Brazilian-influenced music. I never detach myself from Brazil, even with all of the years that I have lived here in the US. I’ve raised my kids to speak Portuguese and cook Brazilian food. Let’s not neglect or erase who we are.
Do you make more money as a well-known or famous artist?
Yes, I do! I have been playing music for a long time and value all levels that musicians are in. One thing that’s very important that I learned is that you need to value yourself. I don’t see people going to a lawyer or doctor and asking them for legal services or medical support for FREE. Why do people ask musicians or artists if they can get our work for free? People don’t realize that we need to survive too, we have rent and we need to eat. Having more credentials as an artist will get you paid more. You make more connections, you meet more people. You shouldn’t put money above all, but we need to understand that you need to sustain yourself, this is your profession. Money making is not about intelligence or worth, it is about you valuing yourself.
Have you received negative criticism if so, how did you move forward?
I am still receiving criticism to this day, I welcome people to give me criticism that can help me grow and see what I don’t see. Bad criticism can come from jealousy or people who are not happy for you and where you are. Especially for women, immigrants, and black people, we tend to be criticized more so we have to work even harder. There have been lots of times when I wanted to quit as a musician or educator but I knew where I was going, and I was aware that some of these people were coming from a bad place. I lean on those who know me, and I know myself so I keep going despite some of the bad criticism. It was harder when I was younger, but I’ve gotten better at understanding how to navigate those.
How are you consistent in getting your followers and maintaining their interest?
I understand in terms of digital media I don’t feel I’m doing well, but I have had some friends with experience that are good at advising*. I am learning a lot and understand that it’s important. I have a good number of followers that are consistent. I try to be creative so my followers can know what I’m doing. I make sure to try to keep followers up to date and let them know I’m around!
