On August 17th, the MUHCAB, Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture, hosted an event that will remain in our cultural memory for a long time: Axé Literário. The celebration was a communion of knowledge, art, literature, and ancestry, where the past and the present met to strengthen the bonds of our Afro-Brazilian community and identity.
Book launch focusing on African diaspora religions
The event marked the launch of two essential books for the appreciation of African diaspora religions: Filhos do Rei, an anthology dedicated to the Orixá Omolú, and *Iemanjá - Mãe do Rio*, a work that honors the Queen of the Waters. Both works for which I had the pleasure of being the designer responsible for the cover art.
Coordination of the Book Iemanjá - Mãe do Rio
Yalorixá Adriana, the coordinator of the book *Iemanjá - Mãe do Rio*, was essential to the creation of the work. Through her leadership, she brought together various voices that celebrate the strength and spirituality of Iemanjá, ensuring that the book reflected the true essence of the Queen of the Waters.
Children of the King: A Tribute to Omolu
The work Children of the King, dedicated to the Orixá Omolu, is an anthology organized by Alessandra Aquino. With a foreword written by Mãe Márcia Marçal, offering a deep and respectful perspective on the spirituality and power of Omolu, and an introduction by Pai Celinho de Omolu, which provides a reverent view of this Orixá's significance in the lives of his followers. Each page of the book reflects the care and devotion of those involved in its creation, making Children of the King an essential read for anyone who wishes to understand and celebrate the strength and mystery of Omolu.
Co-authors highlight the strength of Afro-Brazilian deities
Each page of these books was crafted by co-authors who, through their experiences and knowledge, brought forth the strength and significance of these deities in our lives. During the afternoon, the attending authors shared their insights on ancestry, spirituality, and the importance of preserving and spreading Afro-religious traditions, providing deep and moving reflections for everyone present.
The audience had the unique opportunity to hear from all the co-authors, who addressed central themes to our existence: ancestry, African diaspora religions, and cultural resistance.
Afro-Brazilian Gastronomy: A Living Legacy of Ancestry
We had the privilege of hearing from Rosa Perdigão (@rosaperdigao), who delivered an enriching talk on Afro-Brazilian gastronomy. Rosa highlighted how cuisine is a powerful way to preserve and transmit our ancestry, emphasizing that the flavors, aromas, and rituals at the table are living manifestations of our history and identity. Each word spoken at MUHCAB was a reminder of the importance of honoring our ancestors and perpetuating the traditions left to us, reaffirming our identity and place in history.
Bem-te-Vi Curatorship: Strengthening the Bonds Between Culture and Ancestry
"The event was curated by Bem-te-Vi (@curadoriabemtevi), a cultural innovation platform where I, Rômulo Corleone, serve as CEO. Our initiative aims to strengthen the connections between religious communities, emerging artists, and the cultural scene as a whole, creating a robust networking network, providing visual support, and assisting in the realization of projects, brands, and artists dedicated to celebrating Brazilian culture. Our goal is to provide a space where art, culture, and ancestry can flourish together. At Axé Literário, art, an inseparable element of any Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation, played a prominent role in the event."
Afro-Brazilian Art and Music Shine at Axé Literário
The artist Tebla (@tebla.producoes) captivated everyone with her paintings, translating the depth of our spiritual connection into colors and forms. On stage, violinist Gil Vilela (@gilvilelaa) and singer Hayde (@soulhaydee), the creator of Afrosoul (@afrosoulartecultura), gifted us with their art, delivering a beautiful performance of “O Bem,” an emotional song by Arlindo Cruz that evoked the essence of ancestral singing, touching our hearts and connecting body and spirit. Gil also provided moments of introspection and connection, deeply touching the soul of everyone present with his solo violin performance.
Successful Partnership: Bem-te-Vi and the Institute of Ancestral Literature and Art Folha de Ouro
"As the founder of the Institute of Ancestral Literature and Art Folha de Ouro (ILAFO) (@ilafo.oficial) and editor-in-chief of Editora Folha de Ouro (@editorafolhadeouro), it was an immeasurable honor to partner with Rômulo Corleone through the Bem-te-Vi curatorship in organizing the first edition of Axé Literário. This event marked a significant moment for our community, especially with the launch of the books *Filhos do Rei* and *Iemanjá Mãe do Rio*, works that represent the strength and richness of African diaspora religious traditions. Through these launches, I reaffirm my intention to keep these traditions alive, using culture and all artistic expressions of the axé people as tools for resistance and preservation."
The Beginning of a Journey for the Preservation of Afro-Brazilian Culture
As an afrodocumentarist, my mission is to capture and immortalize moments that reflect the richness and complexity of our traditions. The photographs of the Orixá Omolu, featured in the book *Filhos do Rei*, were on display. Axé Literário was an act of resistance and reaffirmation. It was a space where ancestry spoke loudly, where the voices of our ancestors echoed through art, words, writing, and music. It was an afternoon where we came together to celebrate who we are and what we will continue to be: a people of faith, struggle, and vibrant culture.
This is just the beginning of many journeys to come. May Axé always guide us, strengthening our path and illuminating our steps in the perpetuation of our history and culture.
I would like to thank all the supporters and brands that contributed to the success of Axé Literário. In particular, my thanks go to Paulo Alexandre, CEO of Essencial Garçom (@essencialgarcom), for the essential support of his company and team. Your partnership was crucial to the success of the event. Thank you all!
Fotografias: Yngrid Eduarda e Monica Marques (@photomblack)
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