UI Africana Studies Presents Jazz Meets Samba

Jazz Meets Samba: An Afro Brazilian Journey

Join us for an exciting evening exploring intersections of sound that celebrates the roots of samba, tracing the Afro Brazilian origins that have shaped its rhythm and spirit. For this special concert, two of Brazil’s most electrifying musicians, Juliana Ribeiro (vocalist) and Magary Lord (singer/percussionist) will be accompanied by the Rob Dixon Quintet. Expect an evening filled with energy, passion, and cultural insight.

About the artists

Magary Lord’s (Bahia’s unofficial king of Carnival), music is built on a synthesis of Candomblé and the Samba Chula of the Bahian Recôncavo region in Brazil. His artistic style combines dance with live polyrhythmic music and evocative storytelling to bring the essence of samba’s heritage vividly to life.

Juliana Ribeiro is a sambista who channels the styles of traditional Brazilian folk music (chulas, lundus, jongos), the drawing-room music of 19th century Rio: Angolan semba, and modern Brazilian samba.

Roots & Rhythm featuring Watu Wazuri

Join us for a dynamic evening of artistry and healing through spoken word and jazz featuring Emmy Award-winning poet, Lasana D. Kazembe and Watu Wazuri. Spoken word and live music commingle in an artistic exploration of the contours of artistic improvisation. Watu Wazuri ('beautiful people' in Swahili) is a dynamic ensemble of fearless creative artists, cultural visionaries, and mystics featuring Lasana D. Kazembe (spoken word; percussion); Rob Dixon (saxophone); Brandon Meeks (bass); and Kenny Phelps (drums; percussion).