Audiences at the landmark 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival were transported from Emirates Palace to the eclectic vibes of Brazil last night thanks to a dynamic performance by the Tropicalia pioneer and legend of world music, Gilberto Gil.

Gil, who showed no signs of flagging despite a career spanning over four decades, came out swinging with cool rhythms from baião to bossa nova and samba, displaying the eclectic yet seamless musical pairings that have brought Brazilian music to global recognition. Joined onstage by his protégé, the talented Egyptian vocalist Dina El Wedidi, audiences were swept along in a wave of musical fusion, driven by Gil’s relentless and driving energy.

Her Excellency Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, spoke after the concert: “Gilberto Gil, a UNESCO Artist for Peace and former Brazilian Minister of Culture, proved tonight how music spans truly cultural and international boundaries to create a universal language. Brazilian music brings the rhythms of South America, Europe and Africa together, and Gil has added his distinct musical style to create something even more beautiful and unique. His spirit epitomizes our Festival’s credo of art as a collective human heritage, something that helps us to celebrate what makes us truly alive.”

Gil’s career began in the 1960s when, with other emerging artists such as guitarist and singer Caetano Veloso, he evolved a new musical form called Tropicalia, the fusion of new Brazilian rhythms like bossa nova with rock and roll. The Brazilian government of the time found the sound alien and threatening, and Gil and Veloso were exiled to London. There, he discovered reggae artists such as Jimmy Cliff, with whom he was later to perform. He also appeared onstage with British rock acts Pink Floyd and Yes. On his return to Brazil in the 1970s, he brought his newly expanded tastes with him, and his recordings refined his musical experimentation by fusing musical styles. Gil continues to record and explore the boundaries of genre, constantly dipping into the rich musical repertoires of his country—in 2010 he released an album dedicated to forró, a musical style from northeastern Brazil.

The Abu Dhabi Festival is an annual four-week celebration of the best in international and regional dance, visual art, opera, music and traditional crafts. This year’s landmark 10th edition continues until March 31. Information on tickets, schedules, venues and upcoming performances can be found on the festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae.

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear