Maracatudo Mafua group once again showcasing the colours of Maracatu at Notting Hill Carnival.
01 Aug, 2013
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Maracatudo Mafua, winner of Dance & Folk in the UK by Brazilian International Press Awards – Focus Brazil 2012 is now in its 3rd consecutive year taking part on one of the biggest Carnivals in Europe, as guests of Cocoyea Mas Band.
The group divides it in Bloco and Band. The band was formed in 2009 and with the support of Wendell Bara’s Maracatu group Tambores Nago in its 1st gig at Brazilian Day, since then the group marks its presence in brazilian events such as ” Casa Brazil” – Somerset House, “Brazil – Brazil” – Southbank as well as most of the night clubs in the capital and festivals around the country. Through the dance and costume work of Mariana Pinho ( Artistic Director of Gandaia Arts) and drumming percussion in schools and one off sessions and courses, the group gathers all students in this grand finale of summer season!
In its trajectory, the group was able to experience artistic collaborations with artists such as Dj Tudo e sua gente de todo lugar, Maracatu Masters such as Mestre Afonso – Maracatu Nacao Leao Coroado, Mestre Tete – Nacao Almirante do Forte, Mestre Arlindo –
Nacao Cambinda Africano, Mestre Gilmar – Nacao Estrela Brilhante de Igarassu, Scott Kettner – Nation Beat, Coco de Praia and Mestre Santino and local artists such as Blood e A.J. Holmes and The Hackney Empire. Through this the group, that has musicians and dancers from all parts of the globe, gained inspiration from different sources and in this process to develop its own sound. From Maracatu, Ijexa, Ciranda adding a melodic guitar from Ecuador – Ramon Fernandez, the voices of Rebeca Vallim and Sally Chop entwine in a musical flow!
The group has as its Godfather Maracatudo Nacao Camaleao from Olinda, where every end of the UK season a fundraiser event helps this community group to cover some of its costs. Mafua thanks the group Maracatu Nacao Pernambuco for their costumes that are now the crowning characters of Mafua, and massive thanks to Anderson Nogueira, our dance master and choreographer of 3 pieces for Mafua.
In the year of 2013 the band is in a pre recording process and has a new surprise musician, being revealed on the Pre Carnival Night! In this event we celebrate the partnerships with Cal Jader ( Movimientos), Aleh Ferreira ( almost brother! ) and a live set Simone Sou e Oleg Fateev.
Simone Sou is the special guest for this year, giving her musical spice to Bloco!
At the moment the group relies on the support from all to make both Pre carnival Night and Carnival Parade, as the crisis on the Arts Funding reflects the group’s need to find alternative ways and have setup a “crowd funding” campaign at WEFUND, where from skype sessions, t-shirts and voice messages are one of the many rewards you can apply in order to give the group a push! Including applying for Carnival and getting the ticket for the pre Carnival Night ( 3 bands + a Dj for £5!!!)
Link WE FUND
Images 2012’s Carnival
MORE INFO:
www.gandaia.org
www.facebook.com/MaracatudoMafua
www.twitter.com/MaracatudoMafua
gandaia@me.com / 075 4056 7236
BRAZILIAN EVENTS GUIDE IN AUGUST
