The Lusosphere: Brazil

When the Portuguese "discovered" Brazil this country was already inhabited by 2 million indigenous (which were divided into 3 main tribes: the Tupi-guarani, Jê and Aruaque. The Tupis were sub-divided into the Guaranis, the Tupiniquins and the Tupinambás). So, in some cases when we use the term "discovery" (when referring to Brazil, Mozambique and Angola) we are in fact in error, since these nations had already been discovered by previous civilizations.

22nd of April 1500: Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in Brazil, whom initially called it "Ilha de Vera Cruz" (Vera Cruz Island), since at first it was thought that it was an island; but after further geographic expeditions it was concluded that Vera Cruz was part of a continent and so the Portuguese re-named it to "Terra da Santa Cruz" (The Land of Santa Cruz; where today is Porto Seguro, in the Brazilian State of Bahia).

26th of April 1500: Father Henrique de Coimbra celebrated the first Mass. The indigenous witnessed this religious celebration with curiosity; which led the Portuguese to think that their Christianisation would be easy. However, they soon found out the opposite: the local Indians were not interested in being Christians, which made the Portuguese re-design the methods of their spiritual conquest.

1532-1822: the new colony is populated (the first village to be founded was São Vicente, in São Paulo), since there was the fear that this "new" land would be invaded by those who had been left outside the "Treaty of Tordesillas" (The Netherlands, France and England). Colonising this land was a form of protecting not only the territory but mainly the exploration of Pau-Brazil (from which derived the name of the land). Nevertheless, the French and the Dutch invaded Brazil. The citizens of the colony were Portuguese.

The economic power of this colony was built by African salves (who, along with the Indigenous, had no right to citizenship and, lived in poorly kept "senzalas"). Later on, in the XVII century gold was discovered, and as such the Portuguese King ordered its exploration (mainly in the regions of Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso and Goiás). There were several conflicts and colonial revolts (Ex: Emboabas’ War, Guarani War, Minas Conspiracy).

In 1821, Dom Pedro was advised by his father (the King John VI of Portugal) to declare the independence of Brazil and take the throne for himself (in order to protect the Portuguese sovereignty in Brazil). In 1822, Dom Pedro declared Brazil as an independent constitutional monarchy with himself as the Emperor.


Language
The official language is Portuguese.
Many say that the Portuguese spoken in Brazil is mellow, smoother than the one spoken in Portugal (due to its musicality, making it easier for a foreigner to learn it). And the reason for this is the fact that the language has suffered many influences (along its history): the indigenous influence (to start with), the African influence, the French, the Dutch, the Spanish, the Italian and the German.

Interesting Fact
We are used to hear that countries like the US, the UK, France or even Italy are a melting pot. However, Brazil remains the truest melting pot of them all (since its colonial times).
The Portuguese/Brazilians have always favoured assimilation and tolerance for other people; and while intermarriages were not acceptable in other Portuguese colonies, they were encouraged in Brazil.

The Brazilian society is mainly comprised by European descendants (Portuguese, Italian, German, Spanish, etc) but then it is also constituted by the mulattoes (of African and European ancestry) and the mestizos (of Indian and European ancestry). In Portugal we usually say that all Brazilians are "achocolatados" (a bit chocolate) for we are under the impression that in all Brazilian families there is either African or indigenous blood.

Music
Brazilians use their music in a very powerful fashion so that socialpolitical messages get across to people and the country. The Brazilian music was basically formed from European and African elements, brought by the Portuguese and the slaves respectively. The indigenous people didn't have much influence in the music produced in that nation (except for a few folk genres).

The main Genres are: Choro ("cry" in Portuguese), Música Popular Brasileira (known as MPB, to refer to Brazilian pop music), Bossa Nova, Música Nordestina (popular music from Northeastern Brazil); Música Gaúcha (from the Rio Grande do Sul state, in Southern Brazil); Repetismo (ballads); Frevo (from Olinda and Recife [Northeast] played during the Carnival); Forró (the foundation of lambada), Sertanejo (country music); Funk Carioca (it has nothing to do with Western Funk; it is a very peculiar sound that I will introduce here); Rock, Metal.

Then we have the Afro Brazilian musical genres: Samba, Capoeira, Afoxé (some sort of religious music, part of the Candomblé tradition); and Samba-reggae. (For a more detailed information, click Here). (On a personal note: Brazil produces the most beautiful love songs on earth - and many times they pay homage to Portuguese poets in doing so)

We shall begin by experiencing Bossa Nova, in the voice of the great João Gilberto (guitar) and Tom Jobim (piano) performing "Desafinado" (Lyrics & translation: Here). Enjoy!

Next Stop: Goa