By Cynthia Jessup
Combining Brazilian beats with African rhythm, Cissa Paz, 37, strives to bring the world together with one voice. As a Brazilian singer-songwriter and dancer, Paz has had a passion for music since she was 10 years old. In her performance, part of this year’s Passport to the World music series, Paz combines musical aspects from different cultures into one harmonious tune. Presenting music from the whole spectrum of genres like samba, afoxé, forro and maracatu, Passport to the World will allow attendees to experience cultural differences by experiencing different forms of music.
Paz hopes to bring a “message of inclusion” through her music. She moved with her family from Rio de Janeiro to Northern Virginia in 1994. Her first album, Reza Cigana, focuses on the African heritage of Brazil and Cape Verdean influences. She infuses her cultural experiences to create a new, vibrant beat that teaches about each culture. For her performance on April 8, some songs she has chosen to present are “Saluba,” “Nila” and “Onda Mansa.”
“One of the major challenges as a world musician in the states is that the people here have historically not been open to music from different kinds of places, especially music in a different language,” Paz says. So before each song, Paz will talk about the different instruments used for the songs and explain the lyrics and its importance to understanding the culture they reflect.
Her next album is projected to be released in 2018. Currently, she is collaborating with Christylez Bacon, another local artist. This album will be a mix of Brazilian energy and American tempo.
Cissa Paz at the Creative Cauldron
April 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
