Papa Jaca - COMMUNITY
Papa Jaca is a region in the south of Bahia covering a few villages and towns.
Itabuna is the main city in the South of Bahia. We have lots of farming land and .Jaca or Jack fruit grows in abundance, hence the name Papa Jaca . We have a sweet rivalry with the famous town of Ilheus which lies nearby. Ilheus is a seaside, tourist resort which is close to the mangrove swamps so we call the people from there Papa Caranguejo meaning Papa Crab . Calling someone Papa Jaca or Papa Carangueijo is a way of starting banter and taking the mickey out of each other as we like to do in Bahia.
The Papa Jaca region is a place that has given birth to a wealth of creativity. Here are few of the artists with whom I have collaborated, recorded and performed with. People who are and who have been part of my journey and to whom I thank for all they have taught me. AXE.
Alba Cristina Soares
Ialorixa AKA Mae Darabi is an actress and a poet who has worked in television and theatre throughout Brazil. Alba has also participated in festivals in Sweden, Germany and Portugal.
Zenon Moreira
With his silky voice Zenon enchants listeners with his songs and guitar playing. As a philosopher and composer Zenon is inspired by nature to create an essence of beauty and truth in his poetry. Terravista Festival award winner.
Mestre Sabara
Adalmiro Leoncio da Silva, Mestre Sabara is a living legend, a drum kit player and teacher of exceptional expertise. Mestre Sabara has music students in almost every corner of the globe and I myself am very proud to call myself one of them.
Marcelo Ganem
MG travels the world to perform his version of Brazilian popular music and has featured at numerous festivals in places as diverse as Argentina , Switzerland and Portugal. I was honoured to accompany him in his show at the Paris Salon du Chocolate along with my great friend Kenneth James Higgins.
Ramon Vane
Actor, poet, painter, dancer, producer and lawyer to name but a few of his occupations, Ramon made a name in films which were shown at the Cannes Film Festival, France. Ramon was a very popular face in the cultural scene in Brazil. He is sadly missed. R.I.P.Brother
Joao Veloso
Aka Puma Shauan, Joao Veloso was one of a kind. A philosopher , poet, amazing flute player and composer, Joao was also an excellent guitarist. Joao recognised the importance and the beauty of the native flora and fauna ,he was a true ecowarrior in his quest to protect the environment. R.I.P to a truely inspirational friend.
Adilson Nascimento
Adilson is one of the most adventurous musicians from my circuit of friends . Together we began a musical oddessey which has since taken us on very different paths. We collaborated in Sao Paulo and in Curitiba in the South of Brazil. Adilson spent time living in Switzerland, but is at present working in Sao Paulo playing his guitar in his own special charming fashion.
Encantart
Is a mixed group of very enthusiastic percussionists who use both manufactured percussion and recycled self made instruments. The group is led Ednaldo Franca who does a great job to keep young people interested and enthusiastic to create a collaborative sound.
Pingo Grapiuna
Guitar player Pingo Grapiuna was born in Itabuna and participated in many festivals in Bahia. Today Pingo is based in Assores in Portugal. Terravista Festival award winner.
Thiago Nogueira
As a student of Mestre Sabara, Thiago Noguera is a household name in the scene of Axe music and Heavy Rock in Bahia. This man can play anything! Thiago has previously worked with the likes of Margarete Menezes, Daniela Mercury at present he is working with Bad Marilia.
Ronara Criola
Is a singer song writter from Itabuna Bahia, Her music has great connections to the afro culture of Brazil. Recording her first album at the moment! She can’t wait to put her feet in Europe and her voice in your ears.
Afra Nascimento
Keyboard player, guitarist and singer Afra Nascimento is from Itabuna, but is now based in Portugal. Afra has two records under his name and performs regularly throughout Portugal.
Carlos Shintomi
Musician, filmmaker and Beatles fan. Carlos has created some great music and he is part of film production in Itabuna town.
Zenrique
Aka Jose Henrique Guimaraes is a percussionist, composer, singer and producer Zenrique was one of the founders of ENERGIA AZUL. With his album number 4 Zenrique also was the brain behind Terravista Festival.
Selma Aguiar
Selma is an acoustic guitar player and singer song writer who is from the Papa Jaca region. Presently in Argentina completing a Masters degree in Afro Cultures Selma is also recording an amazing album which will feature her whole family.
Marcionilio
Singer, guitar player and composer Marcionilio was one of the first musicians from Itabuna who hit the road. With the hit single TAXI played in all FM and AM Radio in Bahia, Brazil before we have internet. Based in Argentina.
Afra Nascimento
Keyboard player, guitarist and singer Afra Nascimento is from Itabuna, but is now based in Portugal. Afra has two records under his name and performs regularly throughout Portugal.
Nonato Teles
Born in Itabuna Bahia Nonato come from great family of artists including Alobened and Marcionilio his father Romilton Teles is an active poet. The music played by Nonato is very vibrant and groovefull.
Samile Dias
Is a dancer choreographer, producer from Itabuna, founder of Tribe Fusion Itabuna, Lives in Itacare where she runs regular dance classes. She’s also an amazing costume designer.
FanjIMEAM
Is a fanfarra college band with over 100 members. The band from play’s a variety of music. With a transition from martial music to fanfarra the band is the number one call to perform for the independence of Brazil.