The voice of reason comes in all ages, races, and places around the world. But only one voice of reason and hope and change can mend the soul, give life color and passion. That voice is Bruna Melina’s. The 20-something has been singing and writing lyrics since she was a child. The redhead green-eyed beauty from Resende, Rio de Janeiro, represents a new generation of singers who bring not only her own passion but the passion from the city where she is from, her “wonderful city”. Her sound and style can be described as funky, soulful hip-hop but rhythmically driven by her roots in Brazilian samba, bossa and MPB. Her ability to sing of hope and love and life only gives depth to the light that shines bright in her eyes. Bruna has been taking her voice of reason to clubs, festivals and now into the studio to complete her debut release, coming on Afro:Baile May 2012! 

Link: http://brazilvital.oitoronto.ca/en/2012/03/07/dj-miguel%E2%80%99s-vital-discoveries/#more-1565

Wow what an honor! We are happy to announce that we have 2 albums selected Top 10 Albums of the year by Toronto's finest Brazilian Radio station, BRAZIL VITAL!! Host Marcelo Vital selected "New Brazilian Beat" a compilation compiled by DJ Seduce for the 5th Annual Brazilian Festival, and "Cascadura Samba" the debut release on Afro:Baile by Micheline Cardoso! Both albums soared across airwaves world wide and have garnered a huge interest from Radio, DJ's and more!  We are in great company on this years TOP 10! Check it out!  http://brazilvital.oitoronto.ca/en/2012/01/04/the-top-10-of-2011/

Last year produced a very select crop of album releases of Brazilian music. Brazil Vital selects its top 10.
It was a year of great expectations, some frustrated (no new albums from Otto, Céu or BNegão as expected), some disappointing (Marina Lima, Maria Rita, Lenine, Red Hot + Rio, Maria Gadú …) and some very rewarding.

Chico Buarque – Chico
2011 was Chico Buarque’s year. After 10 without releasing new material, Chico reappears with a simple and accurate album, unpretentious and timeless. But the album greatest success was to reinvent icon Chico Buarque for the digital age in a creative and successful way. In addition to this success, Institute Antonio Carlos Jobim put online in 2011 the complete collection of Chico’s work.

China – Moto Contínuo
Pernambuco is still churning out quality music, modern, inventive and fiercely Brazilian. Singer (and MTV VJ) China produced a record full of melody and poetry, without losing the underground vibe that anchors his work. It’s got rock, electronica, frevo, samba, rap and even surf music. This is the album that will be considered a classic in thirty years.

Aline Morales – Flores, Tambores e Amores
After years of dedicating herself to maracatu and exploring Canadian music, Aline released her first solo CD with confident compositions, beautiful arrangements, exact lyrics and stellar production.

Criolo – Nó Na Orelha
Much has been said about Criolo in the past year, when he “became” famous after years on the road. This award-winning album transcends rap and hip-hop and reveals a sensitive and creative artist with a unique wit.

Gal Costa – Recanto
Gal, who last year received the Latin Grammy of musical excellence for her body of work, is not willing to rest on the laurels of past glories. With the guidance of her friend-brother Caetano, Gal throws herself into the future, producing an album like no other in her career, unafraid to take chances.

Micheline Cardoso – Cascadura Samba
Micheline Cardoso had quite a year. The carioca singer released her debut album on Afro:Baile Records, toured Europe and Brazil, launched two videos, all this not to mention that her album has 17 (!) tracks demonstrating an enormous variety of styles and the potential of the singer.

Marisa Monte – O Que Você Quer Saber de Verdade 
The new Marisa Monte album has nothing much new. Partnerships with Arnaldo Antunes and Carlinhos Brown, a samba long forgotten, romantic pop and well-arranged compositions. But when it comes to one of the greatest artists of Brazilian music today achieving mastery at her work, the result is a masterpiece. Now it’s time for Marisa to take more chances in 2012.

Rio – Trilha Sonora 
For a film set in Brazil, the soundtrack of the animated film Rio was a little too “Brazil-to-export”.  But it also featured songs by Sergio Mendes, Bebel Gilberto and Carlinhos Brown. Some of its songs may be also nominated for the Oscars, whatever that may mean.

Paralamas do Sucesso – Brasil Afora Ao Vivo
Paralamas do Sucesso have always been living proof that one can rock in Portuguese and still sound cool, modern and relevant. This disc, recorded live in Rio de Janeiro, is a celebration of the “Around Brazil” tour and is a sort of a greatest hits live. It’s great to hear Herbert Viana completely back.

Brazil Fest – New Brazilian Beat
This CD was released in conjunction with the 5th Brazil Film Fest in Toronto, which focused on the state of Bahia. It is a first-rate compilation of artists on the Afro:Baile label. The album impresses for the talent and quality of Brazilian music that does not always appear in the mainstream media.

Thank you / Obrigado to our new friend, Carolina Ladeira at the Brasil News. She tooks some photos, and wrote some of about the 5th Annual Brazil Film Festival in Toronto.