From the streets to the stage: Brazilian musician turns his busking routine into a solo show in Lisbon
Before reaching Lisbon's viewpoints, Rafa Bernardes' music echoed between restaurant tables in Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus, amidst the hustle and bustle of customers and dishes. It was there, on Rua Cândido dos Reis, that the Brazilian returned to playing after seeing his career plans interrupted by the pandemic. Rafa had arrived in Portugal at the end of 2019 to invest in his original music, but with few opportunities, he ended up working as a delivery rider for months, in a routine that started early and lasted over 12 hours. The change began almost spontaneously. During a lunch break, he decided to stop and play. Years later, he is preparing to turn his journey into a live show, scheduled for May 3rd. With voice and guitar, Rafa built a repertoire of covers and original songs in an intimate style. His constant presence opened doors to other spaces in Almada and later to Lisbon, where he began playing in areas like Cais do Sodré. Last year, he obtained a license to perform at the Graça and Senhora do Monte viewpoints. His new show, 'A Rua e Eu' (The Street and I), will be recorded live on May 3rd in Lisbon, marking a turning point in his career.
