International artist GUAI was born in Salvador da Bahia, a coastal town in Brazil, and part of a very musical family. Her father is a pianist and her mother, a talented vocalist. She would tour with them at an early age, experiencing many genres of music that helped to form her current style. Her debut album Dama de Paus (Lady of Clubs) was recorded in Brazil and released in 2015. She is currently working on new music. We spoke to her about the social climate in her native Brazil, and how it has been affected by the current circumstances in The United States.
The murder of George Floyd has sparked protests in the US like we haven’t seen in many years. Did his murder have an effect on culture in Brazil?
The situation in Brazil of police abuse against the black community is even worse for 2 reasons. Generally, people don’t care when it is a Black Brazilia person who dies. Also, most of the police who abuse people are also black. So… it’s kinda crazy to see in real life the same character of Samuel L. Jackson on Django Unchained. Do you remember him? There are several like him in Brazil, who are crossing dark times with a fascist government.
How is the relationship between the police and the common people of Brazil?
Awful. The police in Brazil are made to take care of the state, not the people. Brazilian Police kill and remain unpunished. Corruption, low income, and structural racism. You can find on the internet several videos of police abuse, killing poor people in Favelas. Nothing happens to them. There is a third movement created by policemen or military who were removed from their service for misconduct. It’s the militia. Those groups use their power and influence to extort, traffic, and kill.
In the past, you have addressed social issues in your music. Do you feel that more artists will be inclined to do the same?
Most artists in Brazil are concerned about earning money and producing shit music. The people concerned about political and social issues are over 70 and they don’t align with the new and young generation that just cares about iPhones. As I said, there is a running plan in Brazil to turn people into a well of indifference and lack of empathy for others
Artistically, what is next for you?
I’m about to release a new single and video. It will speak to these trying times, and how we need to adjust to everything that may happen and keep the faith in life.
For further info on GUAI visit her official website.
Material de divulgacao da cantora Guai por ©Yuri Mine // Studio Y.M
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