Didá is an educational and cultural association for Afro-descendant women in Salvador in the state of Bahia in Northeast Brazil. Didá is a Yorubá word that means “the power of creation.” The association seeks to transform the lives of young women through music, specifically drumming and the style of music known as samba reggae. Neguinho do Samba, the founder of Didá, is often said to have “invented” samba reggae during his years as the leader of the group Olodum. (Olodum is known widely known for their prominent participation in Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints album and subsequent world tour.) Didá works with more than 600 students each year, who are taught in a variety of subjects as well as provided meals and other social services in the heart of Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district. In addition to the school and social programs, Didá is also a professional all-female band, known as Banda Didá. Salvador’s carnival bands, called blocos afros, were traditionally for men only until Didá created the first exclusively female bloco who now are a major force during Salvador’s annual Carnaval.

Many here in Austin will remember Didá President Viviam Caroline and Founder Neguinho do Samba from their two-week, inter-disciplinary residency at the University of Texas last year, led by LLILAS Outreach Director Natalie Arsenault. Or you may simply recognize Viviam’s face from the wonderful photo exhibit on Didá that was on display in the newly renovated Bass Concert Hall Lobby this year. Either way, you’ll surely remember that Viviam is a force and who captivates audiences, whether she is speaking in front of a classroom, captured in a still image, or performing on stage, be it inside a theater or on the streets of the Pelourinho.

On this day, she shared the stage as a panelist with choreographer Ivaldo Bertazzo, Chico Pelúcio of Grupo Galpão:, and María Claudia Parias Duran of the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra. The topic was “Inclusion in the Arts,” focusing on projects and artists whose work strives to include as many participants as possible, be it as audience members or artists. Many of these projects focus on marginalized populations who are often denied the opportunity connect with the arts in any capacity. However, these projects are particularly noteworthy for their commitment to not compromising the quality of art for those involved and producing world-class performances, often under very challenging conditions.

With such an impressive panel, it’s hard enough to keep up, let alone stand out. Viviam, opened her talk with an unannounced a capella performance of a moving song about the soul of an African mother…it was gorgeous and met with thunderous applause. Throughout her presentation, Viviam kept the audience spellbound, describing Didá’s work and the vital need to support opportunities for women in male-dominated societies like that of Salvador. Without a doubt, Viviam was a revelation for many Congress delegates, and interest is growing in mounting Banda Didá’s first U.S. tour. Keep your fingers crossed!