A bit of My history - suOm Francis.
1 month ago today, I had the fortune of being interviewed by journalist Tati Cesso of BrazilCore , about my relationship to Brazilian culture, and why? How? When? my love for Brazilian culture began, since contrary to popular belief, I was not born in Brazil.
The writer was so taken by our conversation, that this interview that it inspired a new section of her work, she is calling “Becoming Brazilian”.
In this great conversation I got to share some of the main reasons why I am driven to dedicate this part of my life to Miamibloco and our mission, as well as some core memories of my childhood that unsuspectedly were shaping my relationship and understanding of Brazilian culture, like: Hello Globalization! I dont usually like you, but this time you did me a solid, Ha!
I’ll leave you with the first question of the interview that I hope allows you to recognize the many ways in which we all can connect to a new culture respectfully, and or be empowered to create our own living traditions: (FULL INTERVIEW HERE)
When and how did Brazil first come into your life? Can you share that moment when you first connected with Brazilian culture and music?
Brazilian music has a way of reaching every corner of the world, and for me, that connection began early. I grew up dancing lambada at birthday parties, watching Xou da Xuxa in the afternoons, and moving to the beats of Carrapicho at family gatherings. Later, as a teenager at Miami Beach Senior High, I met my first Brazilian friends, which deepened my interest and led me to start learning Portuguese.
But the real turning point came when I visited Rio de Janeiro. As a Raizal from the Caribbean archipelago of San Andrés, with deep Afro-diasporic roots, I felt a profound sense of homecoming. Brazil’s African heritage resonated deeply with me. Traditions like samba enredo, samba raiz, and tambor de crioula felt like extensions of my own story. That connection became even more powerful when I realized how Miami’s diversity mirrored this shared history.
