We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eduardo Mendonça. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eduardo below.

Eduardo, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I was about 17 years old and one of 22 high public school students that the Brazilian government chose to represent Bahia’s traditional arts and culture, participating in various fairs, conventions, and performance venues throughout Brazil and beyond. One of my memorable concerts was the opportunity to open for a guest US Navy band, Unitas, in Brazil. It was a unique performance where I was featured playing bossa nova on my guitar. I remember many American musicians and soldiers who came to speak with me about my playing at that young age. Since my performing group presented various numbers of traditional Brazilian music and dance, all of us used to perform on our barefoot. Upon arriving at the reserved restroom for our performer’s change and having our belongings, I found my boot full of water. I was angry and asked my teacher to do something, but she didn’t do anything then. I announced that I was leaving the group because of this. My teacher and mentor, Neyde Aquino, went to my house the next day and asked me: “What do you think about your performance for the UNITAS?”. I responded that I felt well and was happy with how the audience reacted. She said that she agreed with that and told me that perhaps that was someone who filled my boots with water and possibly must be celebrating now because I gave up from that privileged group of talented teens. She said: “In your life, some people will continue making you feel bad because they are jealous, and people will get in the way or others put water in your boots. If you give up, you will not go anywhere whenever you get hurt. I want you back to the group, but the decision is yours”. She left without looking back. The next day, I was back to the rehearsals, back to the group, and stronger as a person.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its role as a hub of Afro-Brazilian culture.
My lineage was traced to a royal African family, bearing the hereditary title of Mamabeka (“prophet of the royal court”) as documented by the Instituto Geográfico e Histórico da Bahia in the book “Notes on Black Muslims (Males) in Bahia” A historical perspective written by Antônio Monteiro.
This connection to African royalty has deeply influenced my music and cultural identity.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I moved to the United States in December 1994, I resigned as Principal of the then largest K-12 public school in South America. I moved to Seattle with my guitar, a suitcase, and almost no money, but with the clear goal of promoting Brazilian culture. He settled in Seattle, Washington, where he became influential in the local and national music scene.
In 2009, I was honored with the Spirit of Liberty Award, which is given annually in Seattle to a naturalized citizen who has made outstanding contributions to the United States while maintaining his or her ethnic heritage. This award highlights his impact not only as a musician but also as a cultural ambassador.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society must support artists and cultural workers as much as any other professional. Typically, lower rates are offered to artists, and the expectation for free labor is still high. Discrepancy pays, and opportunities for artists in the media are not just for those who don’t have the privilege to have their work displayed and performed in a way that will support the constant development of their arts, not the development of the fair to seek for a different job or having troubles to survive with their art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.showbrazil.com/eduardo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduardomendonca_official/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eduardomendoncaofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-mendon%C3%A7a-55146027/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/eduardomendonca
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8FA5304677C1B26C
• Other: Linktree – Eduardo Mendonça
  https://linktr.ee/eduardomendonca_official