Stitched in Unity: Supporting Didá & Fogo Azul's Journey

Who is FogoAzul NYC?

FogoAzul is NYC's preeminent drumming ensemble that masterfully fuses the captivating elements of American marching band drumline with the infectious rhythms of Brazilian grooves. Since 2016, our vibrant presence graces more than 150 yearly occasions, from intimate gatherings like birthdays and weddings to grand events including fundraisers, galas, parades, and marches. Fogo Azul NYC is a community group open to women, non-binary, and trans folks who believe music and rhythm is in every human—if you give them the means, very loudly! Our ensemble thrives on diversity, encompassing people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, spanning the entire spectrum of drumming proficiency, from newcomers to seasoned professionals. We're always excited to embrace new members into our fold, fostering an environment of inclusivity and collective enthusiasm.

At Fogo Azul, our strength lies in numbers. We prioritize an open environment, where every member, regardless of musical expertise, is valued. Fogo Azul thrives on inclusivity. Our community is built on the richness of numbers, where every participant contributes to the collective rhythm. We believe in the power of quantity, as it represents our open arms and the warmth of our musical family.

Adriana and Stacy

Who is Banda Didá?

Banda Didá, is the first black female percussion group in Brazil, the city of Salvador da Bahia. For twenty-five years this band has been teaching young black women how to drum. In the process, Banda Didá has slowly set about challenging the constricting gender and racial norms that exist in Brazil’s deeply Evangelical and machista culture. The organization is also a community project, owning a community center in the historic district of Salvador which also offers free educational activities for women and children with a foundation in popular forms of art created and maintained by Africans and their descendants. Its primary objective is the education of women and children through the arts. Didá is a Yoruba word meaning “power of creation.”

Banda Didá was founded in 1993 by Neguinho de Samba — who is largely regarded as the Father of Samba-Reggae- along side Adriana Pereira Portela and Neguinho’s daughter Deborah de Souza. He is also the founder of Olodum, which you might know as the drumming group in Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Really Care About Us music video. Didá was a response to the glaring exclusion of black women within the percussion community. Neguinho de Samba realized that as much as young black men needed a space to participate in the cultural traditions which are theirs by birth, black women too deserved to have their own space. In the twenty-five years since its creation, over 2000 young women have passed through Didá, forging not only life-long friendships, but an inextricable link with their African heritage.

Our Unique Connection:

Fogo Azul NYC Drumline shares a profound friendship and working relationship with the administration, Maestrina Adriana Portela, and members of Banda Didá. We are deeply rooted in a mutual cultural exchange, fostering understanding, respect, and unity between our communities. In February 2020 we were invited to rehearse and perform in Carnival with Didá. 42 members of FogoAzul travelled to Salvador da Bahia for this enriching and exciting experience. In 2022, FogoAzul hosted Adriana Portela for the first time in the United States for 6 weeks during our busy summer season. She taught free workshops to FogoAzul, and to the bigger drumming community of NYC. In February 2023, 25 members of FogoAzul went back to Salvador to continue nurturing our cultural exchange. In February 2024, at least 30 intend to do the same. FogoAzul is also hosting Adriana Portela again in October 2023.

Fogo Azul is thrilled to collaborate with Didá for our new uniform pants! This collaboration serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it’s a testament to the bond between our two drumming communities, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration and support that defines our relationship. Secondly, this is a celebration of their exceptional craftsmanship of their skilled artisans. Didá traditionally makes all of their clothing and costumes by hand, often from upcycled/recycled products. By commissioning them to create our uniform pants, we not only get beautifully crafted garments but also provide them with a sustainable source of income, furthering their mission of empowerment within their community.

Dida Drum Members Sewing

Why Donate? Your contribution fuels our multiple projects:

Handcrafted Pants: Banda Didá members are artisans, crafting our uniform pants with skill and dedication. Your support provides the resources needed for quality materials, the time to make them, and the artisan efforts.
Bringing Maestrina Adriana Portela: We're welcoming back the talented Maestrina Adriana Portela to NYC for workshops and cultural exchange. Her expertise enriches our learning, fostering a deeper understanding of our craft.
Supporting Fogo Azul's Journey: Your donations will also help members of Fogo Azul who travel to Salvador da Bahia in 2024 for the Festa de Yemenja and Carnival with donations for the organization. We will bring donations in the form of toys, books, and makeup (which is VERY expensive in Brazil) to the women and children that Didá supports in their project.
Deepening Friendships: Fogo Azul and DiDa's friendship is more than musical; it's a testament to the power of unity. Your support helps in fostering lasting friendships, enhance our skills, broaden our cultural perspectives, and strengthen our bonds as performers. All financial donations beyond what is needed for the aboe will be given to Banda Didá for the continued administrative costs of the project.

Why Your Support Matters: Your donation, regardless of the amount, has a tangible impact on empowerment and is a testament to your belief in the power of music and unity. Here’s why your support matters:

Cultural Legacy: Banda Didá is not just a drumming group; it’s a cultural legacy. Your support ensures that this legacy continues, passing down the art of percussion from one generation to another.
Empowering Women: Your contribution empowers young black women, allowing them to dream beyond societal limitations. It tells them that their voice matters and that they can break free from the chains of prejudice.
Inspiring Change: Banda Didá inspires change not just within its drumming circles but in society at large. Your support amplifies this impact, fostering a more tolerant, inclusive, and accepting world.

Ways to Contribute:

One-Time Donation: Your one-time donation can help us reach our immediate goals.
- The custom logo printed fabric for the pants costs $1000 USD
- Each pair of pants costs $20 USD to construct, we are asking for 200 pairs.
- Each kit of makeup cost approximately $10-$15 USD for approximately 100 members of Didá.
- Books and toys for the children range between $5-$20 USD for approximately 50-100 students.

Monthly Giving: Consider becoming a monthly donor and provide sustained support for our ongoing projects.
Spread the Beat: Even if you can't donate, you can still make a significant impact by sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support not only helps us get new uniform pants but also strengthens our resolve to make music a force for positive change. Let’s drum up support together and continue inspiring the world.

With heartfelt beats,

The Members of FogoAzul NYC

Beats Beyond Borders: Supporting Cultural Connections; Banda Didá and FogoAzul Together

By Blue Fire Performing Arts, Inc

Beats Beyond Borders: Supporting Cultural Connections; Banda Didá and FogoAzul Together

Breaking Barriers, Building Beats, and Crafting Connections

Team Leaderboard

Team Members