Rafael Pondé was always fascinated by his grandmother’s accordion. A mainstay of Northeastern Brazilian music, the instrument sat in her closet unplayed (though not unloved – arthritis kept it at bay); and the look of it alone – its myriad folds, valves, switches, and buttons – was enough to call him to music. Though she willed him the sanfona upon her passing, Rafael, then 11 years old, found it too tough to play and pivoted to guitar and songwriting, spurred on nonetheless by the his family’s musical pedigree.
Fast-forward to age 20, and Rafael was filling venues around Bahia with a reggae band called Diamba. The late ’90s birthed the Afro-reggae movement in Brazil, a merger of Jamaica’s most preeminent cultural export with Afro-Brazilian samba, soul, and funk, which led to a fervent demand for shows. The result? Many formidable reggae acts were invited to perform in Brazil, and Rafael soon found himself on stages with the likes of The Wailers, Steel Pulse, Gregory Isaacs, and Men at Work.
That passion for reggae carried on, and today Rafael, who currently calls San Diego home, heads The Brazilian Reggae Experience (BRE), a band whose members hail from several notable Brazilian groups, including Rafael’s own Diamba, as well as Massai, Natiruts, and Semente da Paz.
On tour to celebrate two big milestones (30 years in the music business and his 50th birthday), Rafael is presenting a more intimate set at Bossa this month, featuring his BRE compadre Bob Lemos on drums, as well as Philly-based Steve Cochran (bass) and Bronson Tennis (guitar/backing vox). On the set list: a compilation of original music – and a few covers – reflecting three decades of reggae, Ijexá, and forró, with a few surprises sprinkled in between.
When asked what he likes best about performing at Bossa, Rafael, once a local, had this to say: “I like the intimate atmosphere and being very close to the audience. Also, because I lived in DC for a couple of years, I made a lot of friends in the area, so I am expecting to meet them all for a big hug and celebration!”
Help us welcome Rafael Pondé – along with Bronson Tennis – back to Bossa on Friday, August 14 at 7:30 pm!
