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Gilberto Gill and Caetano Veloso spent part of their exile in England, Veloso even wrote a song called ‘London, London’, and legend has it that it was the Brits who took football to Brazil — just some examples of those special links between Brazil and the UK.

Now it’s artists like Zeep who have made London their home and footballers Alex and Denilson who are touting their version of the beautiful game in the big smoke. Over the next few months London will play host to a long list of Brazilian musicians and Fly has been picking out the best.

Seu Jorge’s ‘America Brasil’ tour is one not be missed. To many reviewers his latest album, of the same name, is his best yet and if past shows are anything to go by expect jaw dropping tambourine battles, David Bowie tributes and smooth samba. As well as the Round House on October 30th he will be playing Belfast , Brighton, Leeds and Bristol

Another highlight is the arrival of baille funk stalwarts Tati Quebra Barraco and Bonde do Tigrão at The Forum in Kentish Town (August 23rd). So far London has failed to truly embrace the funk Carioca phenomenon but the those behind the Carna Funk parties are trying their best to change that.

The Brazilian embassy sponsored ‘Brazilian Season in London’ offers rich pickings, including AfroReggae’s latest show ‘Favelisation’ at the Barbican, September 25th-27th. Their last show, ‘Favela to the World’ was so successful it managed two stops in London during their world tour and their blend of socially-conscious hip hop, samba, funk and reggae took the place by storm.

The Barbican also hosts the Brazilian film festival (October 9th-15th) focussing on the contribution of Afro-Brazilian actors and film-makers. The season opens with ‘Maré, Nossa História de Amor’ (Maré, Our Love Story) and a Q&A with director/journalist Lúcia Murat. As well as recent successes like ‘Cidade dos Homens’ (City of Men) and ‘Tropa de Elite’ (Elite Squad), it also features the Palm D’or nominated 1984 ‘Quilombro’.

As part of the season Gallery 32 at the Brazilian Embassy will also showcase the work of photographer Walter Firmo, and his portraits of Afro-Brazilian culture.

In November the London Jazz Festival celebrates 50 years of bossa nova with Milton Nascimento and the Jobim Trio — the trio being Paulo Braga, and son and grandson of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Paulo and Daniel. They appear at the Royal Festival Hall on November 20th.

Meanwhile Favela Chic in Old Street and Guanabara in Holborn continue to serve up regular offerings of Brazilian music to the masses, and London now boasts it first Brazilian pub — Canecão, opposite The Egg in Kings Cross.

And don’t forget you can add events of your own.

Links:
Como No (for Seu Jorge)
Brazilian Season in London
Cinema of Brazil season
The Barbican
Gallery 32
Favela Chic
Guanabara
Canecão Pub