Thirty-one years ago, in 1994, Afropop was invited to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil for the Fest in Bahia festival. It was a trip full of revelations, including attending an Olodum rehearsal in the wake of Paul Simon’s featuring the Afro-Bloco band on his Rhythm of the Saints album, and our first taste of mangue-beat music with the late, great Chico Science.
But another highlight was seeing another Afro-Bloco stalwart Ilê Aiyê in performance, and visiting the group’s leader, Vovo, for an interview at his house.
The percussive tumult and vocal ecstasy of Afro-Bloco music is something you have to experience to believe. It is a truly transcendent experience. This is why we are so thrilled that Ilê Aiyê, in the country for a show in Miami on September 6, has added a free NYC show at CityParks Foundation Central Park SummerStage on Sunday, September 1. Afropop will be there!
If you live near either of these shows, don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the thrilling ambiance of Salvador, Bahia, in the hands of masters.