Gilberto Gil sings reggae in Bonn, Germany!

BONN - The great star of the World Music Festival held in Bonn was undoubtedly Gilberto Gil. The festival promoted by Deutsche Welle also featured two other international groups, Egschiglen, founded by musicians from Mongolia interested in rescuing their country's instruments and sonority, and Electro Bamako, a fusion of electronic jazz with West African music, created by Frenchman Marc Mineli and Malian singer Mamani Keita. Gilberto Gil remains engaged in so-called "world music". Proving he does not have an exclusive commitment to promoting Brazilian music and his vast repertoire, the 60-year-old Bahian singer and composer presented a show with Bob Marley's great classics. Gilberto Gil, who also signs the show's general direction, did not restrict himself to pure and simple reproduction of reggae masterpieces such as Could you be love, Easy Skankin or Waiting in Vain. He practically made new versions of the songs by modifying arrangements and inserting instruments typical of Brazilian sound.

EXCITEMENT

The result could not have been more exciting. The reinterpretation of Kaya N'gan Daya (Kaya), title track of his latest CD released in May this year, stirred the audience who came to see up close the strength and charisma of the composer who rarely performs in Germany. The last time he was in Bonn, for example, was in 1979, a time when few Brazilians lived here and Gil was not yet so well known in Europe. Much has changed since then. The number of Brazilians living in Germany has grown considerably and many of those in the region were present on Sunday afternoon (07/14) in the audience, along with Germans enchanted by Gilberto Gil's contagious rhythm.

OLD HITS

The artist also made a guest appearance remembering some old hits, such as his version of No Woman, No Cry, Não Chore Mais and the unforgettable Sítio do Picapau Amarelo. One of the high points was the interpretation of Garota de Ipanema with a reggae beat, as well as the translation of Lively Up Yourself, Eleve-se Alto ao Céu. Eight Brazilian musicians were part of the band that played with Gil during the show. Three young women, including Nara Gil, his eldest daughter, made up the vocals. Transmitting great joy and enthusiasm for what they do, Gil sang and enchanted the crowd for almost two hours. A show to remember.