On November 24th, Gica completed the launch of the audiovisual ‘Da Rocinha Pro Mundo’. Recorded in May at Arena X do Morro (SP) and watched by an audience of over 10 thousand people, the project, released in stages since August, brings with it 18 tracks, including 8 new ones.
Among the already known songs are hits by the artist’s greatest idols, such as Thiaguinho, Belo, Soweto, Sorriso Maroto, Jeito Moleque, Imaginasamba, Exaltasamba, Chrigor, Adryana e a Rapaziada, Dilsinho, Pixote, Vitinho, Art Popular, Pique Novo, Revelação, Sampa Crew, Exaltasamba, Péricles Grupo Pra Valer and Pedindo Bis.
A year ago, Gica moved to São Paulo, adapting very well to the city’s routine. The capital was the first place to truly welcome her, influencing the decision to record the project in São Paulo, instead of her hometown.
Gica’s life has taken a turn for the worse since, without much intention, she shared ‘Pagode da Gica’ on YouTube just over a year ago. The videos went viral driven by figures like Richarlison and Neymar. Today, she celebrates a concert schedule with an average of 30 performances per month. Furthermore, Gica is one of the confirmed attractions on Neymar Jr.’s cruise, scheduled to take place from December 26th to 29th.
Gica accumulates impressive numbers for an artist at the beginning of her career and on the independent scene. There are more than 1.2 million followers on Instagram, more than 20 million streams, more than 47 million views on YouTube, more than 900 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and partnerships with big names in music.
His love for pagoda was born from the influence of his father, a great admirer of the groups Só Pra Contrariar and Exaltasamba. From an early age, he showed an interest in music, learning to play the tambourine at the age of 6, joining cavaco classes at 11, mastering the guitar at 12 and then percussion. Currently, he continues to develop his singing lessons, which began more than two years ago. Composer and multi-instrumentalist, Gica was initially hesitant to take on the microphone, given the scarce number of female references in the genre.
His inspiration came from Beth Carvalho, heard as a child, and the samba circles he attended in Rio de Janeiro. Today, she closely follows the opportunities and highlights of women in the pagoda world.
His first audiovisual project is released in four volumes. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this split and what fans can expect from each volume?
These fractional launches are even common in our market. As it was a large audiovisual, with 18 tracks, we decided to test the format. And it was really cool, but at the same time it caused me a lot of anxiety. I couldn’t wait for people to see the complete work on this project that was so special to my career.
‘Conivente’ is one of the new tracks on Vol. 3. What does this song represent to you and what is the story behind the composition?
In fact, not only ‘Conivente’, but all the original tracks on this project, which are 8 in total, are very representative for me because it is a further step in my career. And the crowd is being very receptive to these tracks and really appreciating these new compositions. I’m very happy about this, because all the new compositions I choose for my repertoire have lyrics that have everything to do with me and what I believe.
On Vol. 3, you included both re-recordings of hits from other artists and new songs. What was the repertoire selection process like for this volume?
Not only in Vol. 3, but in the entire audiovisual “Da Rocinha Pro Mundo”. We mixed some original songs with tracks already known to everyone. For this selection, my manager and I, who is a genius with repertoire, are talking about the tracks and selecting the ones that have the most to do with me until we arrive at the result that you can check out in full now on my YouTube channel and on streaming platforms.
Can you tell us a little about the recording at Arena X do Morro in São Paulo and the choice of this location? How did the audience react to your show?
I always wanted to record a DVD in a place where the population would truly enjoy it and understand the essence of the project. The people at X do Morro supported me a lot, they were incredible! On the day of recording, the entrance fee was 1kg of non-perishable food and I was very happy that we managed to raise 8 tons for the community. But that couldn’t ease my nervousness. I was shaking more than normal, because I felt a huge responsibility for being in front of so many people.
It’s notable that you have a significant and growing fan base, with impressive numbers across social media and streaming platforms. What do you consider to be the secret to your success on the independent scene?
I think the main thing is for us to believe in our dream, follow our heart and be real. The fans hugged me in such a careful way that I just thank them, every day, for this affection.
You mentioned being influenced by your father’s musical taste, especially pagode. How did your musical journey begin and when did you decide to pursue a career as a singer?
My father was a big fan of groups like Só Pra Contrariar and Exaltasamba and one day he arrived home with a tambourine. I became interested in the instrument and learned to play when I was 6 years old. Then I learned cavaco, guitar, percussion… Everything in Rocinha, in a school that served children from the community. I posted unpretentious videos on the internet playing and singing, but my intention was never to sing. Until my manager saw me on the networks and that’s when it all started about 2 years ago.
With the pagode scene historically having less female presence, what are the challenges and opportunities that you see as one of the greatest female revelations in this genre?
The women have always been there! We always liked it and consumed a lot of pagoda. Today, thank God, we are achieving more visibility and reaching new spaces. People are respecting us and the trend is for the movement to grow even more. We are just showing what we are capable of doing.
In addition to re-recordings, you also make original compositions. Can you share a little about your songwriting process and what inspires you to write your own songs?
I compose, but I’ve never recorded my own songs, I think that will naturally happen one day, but it’s not the time yet.
You’ve collaborated with artists like Gaab and Vitinho. Can you tell us about your experiences on these jobs and if there are any other notable collaborators you would like to work with in the future?
In addition to Gaab and Vitinho, I have participated in projects by Doce Encontro, Kamisa 10 and MC IG. On November 20th, I recorded Pagode da Gica 3 on the coast of SP and for the first time I had special participation in a project. Eliana de Lima, Thales Lessa, Vou Pro Sereno, MC Daniel and MC Ryan SP were with me. It was amazing! And soon people will be able to see the result on my music platforms. But there are still a lot of people I would like to work with. Who knows in the near future.
What can we expect from the next chapters of your career as an artist after the completion of this audiovisual project? What are your next steps and goals?
We finished the launch of the audiovisual ‘Da Rocinha Pro Mundo’ at the end of November and we have already recorded Pagode da Gica 3, which arrives later this year! We continue with a full show schedule, Glory to God, and next year we will have many other new features. I’m just grateful for everything that has happened in my life!
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