PREMIERE:  Mateus Aleluia Filho – “Papel Machê (Bahian reggae version)”

Reinterpreting classics is always a challenge. But singer, composer and instrumentalist Mateus Aleluia Filho accepted the challenge and revisited “Papel Machê”, a classic of Brazilian music composed by Capinam and João Bosco. To give substance to his version, the son of the legendary Mateus Aleluia (Os Tincoãs) chose the captivating reggae of Bahia. He also invited Rafael Pondé (Diamba, Natiruts) and Eduardo Escariz, who produced it alongside Átila Santana (IFÁ). The drum cadence was the responsibility of Iuri Carvalho and the keyboard rhythms were by João Leão.

This combination gives the song a softness, but one that invites you to dance. The trumpet adds a little extra shine, giving it a hint of jazz, and also serving as the voice of Mateus Aleluia Filho. The song is accompanied by a video recorded on the Dom Pedro II Bridge, which connects the cities of Cachoeira to São Félix, under the Paraguaçu River. In addition to having reggae as its musical identity, Cachoeira has a strong culture and is a city that produces brass instrumentalists.

Although Maranhão is the capital of reggae in Brazil, Bahia also has its own tradition. This has given this Jamaican musical style a local identity, such as samba reggae, which has a more prominent percussion to direct the rhythm. Mateus Aleluia Filho is right to further enhance a song that is part of the Brazilian songbook. It has a certain delicacy, swing and that swing and rhythm that is hard to find anywhere other than Bahia. 

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