Xocô jumps into action in the energized live video for his song Maculelê — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Filmed live at Toronto’s Lula Lounge, the song — taken from Xocô’s recently released self-titled album — is named after the traditional percussion rhythm / warrior dance that serves as the wellspring of Brazilian funk. These movements of protection and revolution are customarily performed with machetes or sticks — tools from the sugarcane fields — and are sacred, revered by traditional Capoeira practitioners.
Meanwhile, Xocô infuses his Maculelê with lyrics celebrating imagery of the natural world and saluting Juerma and Orixá Oxóssi of Candomblé, the indigenous and Afro diasporic spiritual traditions. The entire scene of fiery fusion is captured by visionary videographer Elton Luz and his team, documenting Xocô’s explosive energy.
Xocô, aka Sérgio Xocolate, is a spontaneous and dynamic performer. His formidable live band features Zeca Polina, rocking out on electric guitar and vocals; drummer Anita Graciano, playing so hard she smashed through several sticks; magnetic, buoyant and upbeat Giovanna Galuppo on electric bass; stone-faced multi-instrumentalist Alfredo Alves supplying percussion precision and laser-sharp focus; and Suzanne Roberts Smith, facilitating the flow of the evening with traditional percussion while keeping an eye out in the crowd for baby Julu, being passed around from friend to friend.
When not donning traditional Caboclo de Lança regalia — one of the principal symbols of Pernambucana culture (as the only known lineage holder and representative in North America) — Xocô was adorned in a hand-painted wardrobe by Afro Brazilian artist and designer Salamandra.
The concert was not only bold in colours and vibrant in tempos, but also politically lively, with Xocô using his platform to call urgent attention to social inequities in Brazil. More than mere entertainment, the show was an activist war cry, a cultural celebration and a timeless piece of art.
Watch his performance of Maculelê above, check out the whole show and hear more music from Xocô below, and find him on his website.
