The articles written by the PÚBLICO Brasil team are written in the variant of the Portuguese language used in Brazil.
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Today I’m here in Belém do Pará, my homeland, starting the celebrations of 50 years of career. These are the first presentations of Fafá de Belém, Daughter of Brazil. Like many things in my life, my career began by chance. After so many years, I still tremble before going on stage at the great concert hall in my homeland, which is the Teatro da Paz. One of the most beautiful theaters in Brazil and, I dare say, one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. It was built in the late 1800s to provide a stage for opera, ballet and operetta companies. Large assemblies that came from Europe by ship. This opera was built, absolutely cabocla. A fabulous room with all the Amazonian elements present. Brazil in every detail. One from books from my land.
It was directed for years by the great composer Valdemar Henrique, our greatest classical composer. Maestro Valdemar sang all the legends of the Amazon, in a delicate and profound way. Often approached by Villa-Lobos to be part of his group of composers, Valdemar stayed here. I sat in Praça da República, where the Teatro da Paz is located, watching the movement of the mango leaves, watching the moon rise in a way that was absolutely integrated with this city. A man of gigantic sophistication, to whom I dedicated my first album, Tambatajaa classic written by him, which we sang as children in our first music classes at school. When I go up on the stage at the Teatro da Paz in a little while, all of this will be remembered. In my soul.
Coming home is always a strange situation. I never thought about being a singer, although music has always been a faithful companion and friend. Since I’m nine years old. I took refuge in music and it taught me how to say things I didn’t know how to write. Some poet transformed his emotion into words, into poetry and verses. Another turned it into music. Music has been my friend and confidant since a very early age. With her I can scream about loves that worked, scream that I was abandoned, talk about pain and joy, without having to admit that they are mine, but they are always mine. I’ve never been able to sing what I don’t feel. I’ve never been able to record what I didn’t experience.
I look back and see a tortuous path. My career and life will never be in a straight line. It is full of shortcuts, bridges and interrupted paths. I am that person and the only thing that makes me able to talk about myself is music, passionate and visceral. I am a popular singer with diverse musical influences, classical music, jazz, the great Brazilian singers on the radio and music from my homeland. I was often judged. They intended me to be someone I’m not. I couldn’t understand. I was judged and applauded very early. Canceled too soon, too.
I always come back to Belém. I love my land. I changed my name to Belém when I left here 50 years ago, taking my music and my authors with me. I left here barefoot, with the machete leading the way, in the company of my songs. Paulo André and Rui Barata were my great partners, with great songs. In this show, The Daughter of BrazilI sing soundtracks to Brazilian soap operas. I was born on a soap opera track, with the music Son of Bahiafrom the soap opera Gabriela. A very strong memory comes to me of everything, of every stone, of every joy, of every moment that this road was paved. I thank God and the people of Pará, who have always been with me. I do whatever you want. Tom Jobim’s song to Chitãozinho and Xororó. From Vinícius de Moraes to Valdemar Henrique and Zé Augusto. I always sing Belém do Pará. Wish me good luck, my heart is pounding. Next time I’ll tell you how it went. Returning home is always delicate. I come back to pick up the pieces… always.
With love from your Fafá.
