Jandira Silva has been living in Macau since 2015. A passionate exponent of her country’s beautiful rhythmic music, the Brazilian singer, released her debut album, Festa De Um Sonho Bom in 2012, featuring seductive interpretations of Brazilian classics as well as her own enchanting originals. Jandira draws on the classic sounds of ‘MPB’ (Música Popular Brasileira) as well as her love of jazz to create fresh, beautiful and exciting sounds. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she moved to Lisbon in 2000, and was the resident singer at Lisbon’s Casino de Estoril, as well as appearing at local jazz clubs and on Portuguese TV. She moved to London in 2007 quickly becoming a key part of the city’s thriving Latin/Brazilian scene. Originally inspired by the likes of Elis Regina, Leny Andrade, Tom Jobim and Joyce, Jandira was exposed to the great voices of American jazz when she moved to Europe, falling under the spell of Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Madeleine Peyroux.
– What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A sunny day close to the beach with good music, true friends, cold beers and barbecue.
– If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
The time when the Bossa Nova movement started in Brazil… so many great artists to meet and see… it would be a dream come true!
– What’s your favorite book?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (one of many, reading is something magic)
– And your favorite singer/ band?
Elis Regina
– Who is your hero?
My father. He was a great man and very funny.
– What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
My daughter’s smile and hugs.
– If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Muqueca (Brazilian fish stew)
– If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
I would teach kids in Brazil about what I learned singing around the world .
– What’s your favourite season or festival?
Summer with the world music festival.
– What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Grand Taipa Hill Nature Park. It’s a lovely place to go for a good walk and get your ideas in place.
