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Maria Beraldo is a Brazilian singer, composer, clarinet player and LGBTQ activist. She released her first solo album, Cavala, in May 2018, to critical acclaim. For this Brazilian edition of Global Beats, Maria presents seven of her fellow musical artists, chosen for their strong voices, both musically and politically.

Elza Soares is an icon in Brazilian music. Now in her 80s, she recently won a latin grammy and is an inspiration to younger musicians both because of the way she continues to innovate musically, but also because of her outspokenness when it comes to black and minority rights.

Luedji Luna and Xenia Fran莽a are both from Bahia, in the north east of Brazil, a region strongly influenced by African culture. Both are now based in white-dominated S茫o Paulo, and both are acutely conscious of their position as black female role models, as they experience a surge of enthusiasm for their (very different) music. Luedji Luna鈥檚 sound is more instantly recognisable as Brazilian, whereas Xenia Fran莽a is more heavily influenced by stars from the USA.

As Bahias e a Cozinha Mineira may be unique anywhere. The two lead singers of the group, Raquel Virg铆nia and Assucena Assucena are both transgender women, whose voices and song writing styles complement each other perfectly. Their song Jaqueta Amarela, which describes the pain of wanting to be loved, instead of being seen as a freak or a sex object, has been a hit in Brazil.

Liniker is firmly rooted in the tradition of Brazilian Soul music. She says she realised she had a powerful voice when her singing made fellow students at drama school cry! Like Raquel Virg铆nia and Assucena Assucena, she is a transgender woman and black, and says it is inevitable that she finds herself at the heart of the current debate on social rights.

At 21 years old Sofia Freire has already released two well received albums. She comes from a family of writers and her songs are her interpretations of favourite poems, many of them by women, and she sees this and her decision to perform solo as feminist gestures.

Johnny Hooker is heavily influenced by David Bowie and Mick Jagger, as well as Freddy Mercury, Madonna and Brazil鈥檚 own Caetano Veloso. He is also adored by Brazil鈥檚 gay community.

Photo: As Bahias e a Cozinha Mineira with Maria Beraldo (second from left). Credit: 鲍鱼tv