A Black British Girl's Perspective of a Global Village
From practice in the scenic setting of Lagoa do Abaeté - Itapuã... The rhythms attracting the bands first audience; local children! I accompanied my host Alberto (airbnb.com) to the rehearsals of one of the samba bands he is playing for during the carnival period; Escola de Samba Unidos de Itapuã. Alberto, an experienced tambourin percussionist... Continue Reading →
The carnival in Salvador is in full swing! In every corner of Salvador's historic centre - Pelourinho, lurks something captivating for the camera... And that's before any of the parades have begun! So it goes without saying, I was thankful to discover a press centre for journalist to 'recharge' not just the batteries for their... Continue Reading →
When I learnt Spike Lee was in Salvador for the carnival I instantly put to twitter, using up all my limited character allowance (as though baggage allowance!), my hopes to have an opportunity of interviewing the acclaimed film director! So that very evening when I stood next to Mr Lee himself while Samba band Olodum were... Continue Reading →
So I got my press pass in time for carnival!... Where there is a will, there is a way! Yesterday I met Kwamy Hashid, an Angolan professional photographer (with perhaps the largest lens in the business!) who I accompanied throughout the evening into the night as we whizzed in and out of the parades working... Continue Reading →
With so much going on Salvador Bahia, finding accommodation during this busy carnival season was the least of my worries- thanks to Airbnb! Carnival in Brazil has been on my bucket list of places and things to do for many years. Why not make it a reality in 2013?! And that's exactly what I did!... Continue Reading →
By word of mouth the saying goes; African slaves weren't allowed in the churches during the time of slavery and they were made to wash the steps of the churches. Today Lavagem Itapua is a festival paying homage to Afro-Brazilian tradition. The traditional 'Laundering Itapuã' is amongst the most famous and oldest religious festivals that... Continue Reading →
It's been a while since I updated my blog- apologies! Lets just say I'm adjusting to Salvador! Every corner has something intriguing to offer... And nothing here is done in haste! When I think of Bahia, I immediately think of it's capital Salvador and it's strong Afro-Brazilian culture. Little did I know areas of Bahia,... Continue Reading →
To get a better understanding of who the Tabom returnees were, I'm looking into the social context of society in Bahia at the time, and what would become perhaps the most significant slave rebellion in Brazil; The Malê Revolt. And perhaps it is destiny, rather than a coincidence, that I, a descendant of an Afro-Brazilian,... Continue Reading →
A collection of pictures from my first ever visit to Salvador, Bahia in 2009. Little did I know about my ancestral (TABOM) connection with this city. Salvador still managed to leave a profound impact on me with all its glory; from history and culture to the people and food! It's no wonder I claimed to... Continue Reading →
"My father is from Bahia." Vivi tells me as we reach the entrance of her home in the suburbs of Belo Horizonte. "There's always pepper in our house!" She concludes. And as we make our was down to her house from the gate, I notice fruit trees growing wildly, and a cocoa tree. "Yes, it's... Continue Reading →
Travelmaker Kai 