"Nanny Assis: AfroJobim with Ron Carter" is set for Tuesday, February 24 at Dizzy's Club in NYC.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with Nanny Assis and Bobby Sanabria about the exciting night of creativity and performance.
Hear the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim come alive in a whole new way with AfroJobim, a vibrant project led by Nanny Assis that brings the Afro-Brazilian roots of bossa nova to the forefront. Drawing from the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro and the traditions of Bahia, the performance reveals the African pulse that shaped Jobim’s iconic sound, blending elegance, groove, and storytelling into one seamless musical journey. Lively, soulful, and deeply rhythmic, AfroJobim celebrates the Brazilian people as the true heartbeat of these timeless songs, creating a joyful and immersive concert experience that feels both familiar and revelatory.
While Jobim is globally recognized as the "Father of Bossa Nova," his genius did not exist in a vacuum. It was built upon the rhythmic complexity and spiritual depth of the Afro-Brazilian people. This project aims to bridge the gap between Jobim’s classical sophistication and the grassroots inspiration he drew from the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Bahia.
Why This Perspective Matters:
• The Roots of Rhythm: Jobim’s melodies are inseparable from the Samba and Bossa Nova and the syncopations brought to Brazil by African ancestors.
• Cultural Representation: By highlighting the Afro-Brazilian perspective, we provide a more authentic and inclusive history of Brazilian music.
• Inspiration for the Future: This project celebrates how a singular "genius" can act as a bridge between diverse cultural worlds, Educating and inspiring a new generation of artists to reclaim their heritage.
Nanny's goal is to produce a creative and educational work— a documentary, album, performance, and publication—that centers the Brazilian people as the true heartbeat of Jobim’s compositions. We are not just looking at a composer; we are looking at the soul of a nation.
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Nanny Assis, vocals, percussion, musical director
Ron Carter, upright bass
Dani Assis vocal, percussion
Steve Wilson, saxophones
Hugo Sanbone, trombone
Marivaldo dos Santos, percussion
Meia Noite, percussion
Thiago Trad percussion
John DiMartino, piano
Guilherme Monteiro, guitar
Special guests:
Bobby Sanabria percussion
Lezlie Harrison vocal
Lakecia Benjamin Sax
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Nanny Assis and Bobby Sanabria below:
