Caetano Veloso - South Bank Show

The South Bank Show last night was about Caetano Veloso, the most excellent Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist. Didn't know it was going to be on and very glad I caught it.

I'm a big fan of Caetano's music but the show gave me a whole new insight into his work, especially all the influences of growing up in Bahia and all the racial tensions in Brazil. Of course I knew something about it but it was great to have him talking about it at great length. I also never knew he spent a couple of years in London in exile after the military dicatorship had deemed him a "subversive agitator"

Michael.

 

Was Gilberto Gil in it?

I have just got one of his records and read a little bit in a book recently about his background. He also spent time in London in exile.

I don't watch much telly unfortunately.

There was also a programme dedicated to Brazilian music on World Routes on R3 not long ago, where they both featured prominently - naturally.

 

Yes - he also formed a large part of the show. Him and Caetano had a band/musical movement together in the late 60s called "Tropicalia" which was the thing the authorities didn't like as it was kind of black/protest music and it was very popular

Seems like Gilberto enjoyed his time in London a lot more than Caetano

Michael.