Moacyr Luz debuts 45-year career tour in Rio de Janeiro

In celebration of 45 years of career, Moacyr Luz will go on tour through the country’s main capitals, starting in Rio de Janeiro, on 03/04 at Espaço EcoVilla Ri Happy. Alongside journalist Leonardo Lichote, the commander of Samba do Trabalhador will sing and tell stories of life and stage, with special guests. The show also celebrates Moa’s birthday, who turns 66 on April 5th!

The first guitar lessons watching master Hélio Delmiro at his home in Méier. The emotion of seeing your song for the first time in a soap opera — “Coração do Agreste”, a hit from the “Tieta do Agreste” soundtrack. His verses and melodies rock parades at schools such as Paraíso do Tuiuti and Mangueira. His songs in the voices of Maria Bethânia, Zeca Pagodinho, Martinho da Vila and many other greats of Brazilian music. Samba do Trabalhador transforming Mondays in Rio at Clube Renascença, in Andaraí.

These and other scenes mark Moacyr Luz’s 45-year career, celebrated in an intimate show in which the composer tells stories about his life and remembers songs that were fundamental to his journey. Alongside his friend Leonardo Lichote, who leads the conversation, the artist takes a behind-the-scenes tour of his craft of creating music that resonates with people; pays homage to Aldir Blanc and other partners; casts his chronicler’s gaze on the city and the characters who crossed his path; he makes people laugh with his verve as a storyteller; and moves when remembering the joys and challenges that life presented him. The idea is for the show to go on tour through the main capitals of Brazil.

In the midst of the speeches, the show “Moacyr Luz — 45 years of career” creates a repertoire that includes songs from different moments in his career. They are there, among others: “Zuela de Oxum” (partnership with Martinho da Vila), “Vida da minha vida” (with Sereno), “Coração do Agreste” and “Anjo da Velha Guarda” (both with Aldir), “Cabô my father” (with Aldir and Luiz Carlos da Vila) and “Saudades da Guanabara” (with Aldir and Paulo César Pinheiro).

On the musical side, Moacyr is joined by instrumentalists who are his longtime companions. On the seven-string guitar is Carlinhos Sete Cordas. Colleague of Samba do Trabalhador and grandson of the legendary Imperial composer Silas de Oliveira, percussionist Junior de Oliveira supports the batucada. Another percussionist called up to reinforce the team is Leozinho Rodrigues, a samba ace, also from Jorge Aragão’s band. The premiere, in Rio, will feature guests who are part of this 45-year history.

The show’s scenery includes projections of photos from the artist’s personal archive, illustrating the stories told and songs sung. Images such as the house where he lived with Delmiro; Dona Maria’s Bar, in Muda, headquarters of his friendship with Aldir Blanc; the Clube Renascença, home of Samba do Trabalhador. During the show, the screen also shows the trailer for the documentary about Moacyr that director Tarsilla Alves is preparing for its premiere in 2024.

Owner of a long and fruitful career, Moacyr attributes his 45 years of successful journey to the constant effort of those who tirelessly compose, lead samba circles, produce records and record. All this without losing the nature of the street figure, which includes moments like his traditional barbecue at Praia do Flamengo or the period when he had a stall at the Muda fair just to gather friends.

— An artist’s life is made up of luck and work. Mine was just work — defines the composer. — Every inch of achievement was with a lot of sweat, a lot of dedication. I always tried to look ahead. Everything was good, soon after I moved on as if nothing had happened. I recorded with Maria Bethânia, Zeca Pagodinho, Gilberto Gil, Beth Carvalho, Leila Pinheiro, Martinho da Vila… Recordings lived on the edge of happiness. But the next day I continued because the road is very long.

After 45 years of career, Moacyr still sees himself in music as a boy, building new stories and songs daily:

— Sometimes I’m surprised when I’m identified by someone in the class as a great composer — he says. — Because I continue as if I were 18 years old, looking for music that will make my heart happy, will respect my tradition and will bring happiness to the people who listen.

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