Check Almir's interview with Edu Ribeiro: The past, present and future of the singer-songwriter!

Edu Ribeiro, tell us a little about the beginning of your career and what your first performance was like:
Edu Ribeiro: The beginning of my career? That was so long ago... (laughs). I was 16, it was with a rap group of some friends of mine, Legítima Defesa (which no longer exists today), opening the show for Racionais MC's, at the USP velodrome. That was the start of everything: later I joined another rap group (M.R.N.), where I played with DJ Cia (now in RZO). But we are friends to this day. So much so that he takes part in my next album.

Talk about your childhood, your family and your love for music:
Edu Ribeiro: My childhood was peaceful. Even living on the outskirts, at first. Later moving to a slightly better place and going to live in Bahia afterwards, I went through some difficulties, but overall it was peaceful.
As for music, I grew up listening to music, my parents met at a dance, my house was always full of people listening to and talking about music. More specifically about samba, but they also listened to samba-rock, jazz, bossa nova, MPB...

Does Reggae really play a part in your life? Did you find yourself professionally?
Edu Ribeiro: People who know me know that I always wanted my reggae band, ever since I left rap. My reggae project had only been postponed (because I had already started a band, in 1998), and not cancelled. Reggae is my life, I could never cancel that. So, when I returned to reggae, I found myself again as a rhythm and with my friends, who said: "dude, where have you been?"

What was the main reason for your leaving the band?
Edu Ribeiro: I wanted one thing for myself and for the band, which was different from what the other members wanted for themselves and for the band. So, I decided to leave.

How do you think the audience reacted to your leaving Circuladô? What do you think went through the audience's mind?
Edu Ribeiro: From what I know, some were shocked, others sad and others without understanding. They must have been left with a question mark in their minds: what could have happened.

Do you keep in touch with the band members? Many fans think there is a "fight" between you; did everything end normally and without resentment?
Edu Ribeiro: No, I don't keep in touch. I left with resentment, but I no longer hold a grudge against them. I wish them all the luck in the world.

Your new work fronting the band "Edu Ribeiro & Cativeiro" is winning over a large audience. What is the secret to this success?
Edu Ribeiro: Is it? And where is that crowd? (laughs). The secret is sincerity and honesty. Always.

Your songs talk a lot about love; how is your heart doing? Are you dating anyone currently?
Edu Ribeiro: My heart is alone now, just making a "tum". No, I am not dating.

Do you seek inspiration from someone special to compose your songs?
Edu Ribeiro: No. Actually, anything can inspire me, from a kiss to a late afternoon in Maresias. As long as it truly touches my heart, anything can serve as inspiration for me.

Have you ever had a romance with a fan? What was that experience like?
Edu Ribeiro: (laughs) skip this one...
All right, I'll answer: not in the forró days, because I was dating. But I've been single for a while now. So, of course there have been hookups. I can only say it was good (laughs). Nothing more...

You have often been seen at KVA. What is your opinion of the venue?
Edu Ribeiro: I like KVA. There is a nice, cool crowd ready to have fun. And it is always packed. And a good party for me is a full party. What could be better than that?

Tell us a little about your new musical work:
Edu Ribeiro: My album is a mix of roots reggae with MPB, with melodies and harmonies more carefully crafted than I have ever been able to create. There are protest songs, songs about nature and songs about love, which are the strands of reggae in terms of composition. I am recording a song by Djavan, my greatest idol. And there are also some special guest appearances, but I can't talk about them now: stay tuned...

What do you think about the promotion of Reggae and Forró on the internet?
Edu Ribeiro: Fortunately, it is done by people who work seriously, but there is still a need to conquer some spaces. What exists today is done by people who like both rhythms, but it is necessary to reach other spaces. There are places where the barriers have already fallen, but there is still a certain prejudice in the media, whether for associating them with marijuana and drugs or for being a regional rhythm. But in general, those who do it, do it very well.

If you were invited to perform with Circuladô de Fulô, at the audience's request, would you accept?
Edu Ribeiro: No.

What are the new projects?
Edu Ribeiro: To see the album finished. Then the video clip... I like to take one step at a time, without rushing.

Do you have a musical dream you have not yet fulfilled?
Edu Ribeiro: To play with Djavan. The day that happens I can die happy (laughs)

Leave a message for your fans who always enjoyed your work before in forró and nowadays in reggae:
Edu Ribeiro: A hug to everyone, and you can expect a good album: those who managed to understand and enjoy what I wrote before will enjoy this album.

Open space for comments, thanks and promotion:
Edu Ribeiro: Thank you all for the support you gave me and continue to give me, both the public and the media, whether reggae or not. A hug to everyone!