Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira was born in Bahia, Brazil on June 26, 1942. In his youth he opposed the Brazilian military. Arrested. Eventually sent into exile. Ended up in London. A few years later he returns to Brazil. Eventually he is feted as a national marvel. Astoundingly, Gil ultimately becomes the Minister of Culture (2003 – 2008).

Consider how special this man is. He is far more than a musician. Far beyond being a life-long activist, or even a relevant politician willing to involve himself in the ins and outs of helping to govern Brazil. He is a philosopher at heart as he does all that he does in and for his native land, both at home and when forced abroad.

In 2018, Gil told Alex Robinson of Songlines: “We have to ask ourselves what culture is. It is human expression. Every gesture, every sentiment, every thought, every moment of communication between one person and another is culture. Whether it’s in Europe or the Americas this culture originates from the land and the sea. It is by relating to the land, having to produce food, having to sow seeds and harvest, that people are brought together to develop language, make tools and celebrate in their free time – through art, music and dance. This is the process of culture.”

Here is one of my favorite videos of Gilberto Gil delivering a concert of Bob Marley compositions. Enjoy.