aaamusic | On 15, May 2015

Infectious singer Flavia Coelho is bold and striking in her songs and appearance. The Rio de Janeiro born Brazilian artist is based in France where she fuses the international sounds of rap, samba, ragga, reggae, hip hop and bossa nova . She developed her voice by singing the songs of Diana Ross, Nina Hagen and Gal Costa using a bucket on her head as a home-made echo chamber!

Flavia was helped to write her critically acclaimed debut album Bossa Muffin by talented Cameroon guitarist and bass player Pierre Bika . She headlined at Womad, performed sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s and won the Génération Réservoir Newcomer Of The Year Award.

Her upbeat and contagious second album Mundo Meu, released on 11th May, 2015 by Mr Bongo Records, was directed by Victor Vagh and mixed by Tom Fire. Album guests included German singer Patrice Bart-Williams, rapper Speech of Arrested Development, accordionist Fixi of Java and drummer Tony Allen. These are songs that tell adventurous stories about the beauty and dangers of Brazilian life with lyrics  about love, heartbreak, struggle, devotion, addiction and alcohol.

Playful ‘Por Cima’ is a sensual melody about a woman who sacrifices everything for her man in a Brazilian Bolero, inspired by traditional songs played by her father. The liberating and rhythmical ‘Pai De Santo’ which follows is danceable fun and catchy ‘Amar E Amar’ sounds sexy and passionate. ‘Passou Passou’ has a moody, relaxed and summery feel, whilst lively and vibrant ‘Fora Da Lei’ moves with a restless edge and captivating ‘O Dom’ sounds fresh and joyful.

Flavia Coelho‘s innovative and hypnotic vocals come alive when supported by an acoustic guitar and her smart, eclectic sounding trio. With an easygoing and confident style she successfully merges Brazilian, Caribbean, Balkan and African music. Her latest album returns to the urban jungle of her roots with colourful native slang and some original, humorous and wonderful songs.

Anthony Weightman

Flavia Coelho will perform at London’s Rich Mix on Monday 18th…