FANY MPFUMO E GILBERTO GIL: traces of transatlantic musicalities

Abstract

This text proposes to investigate traces of the musicalities of the Mozambican composer Fany Mpfumo and the Brazilian composer Gilberto Gil, through the comparison of rhythmic, harmonic, phrasal and instrumental aspects of their works. Therefore, an auditory transcription methodology was used, based on authors from ethnomusicology and anchored by software, which allowed us to record the following songs on score: Avasati Va Lomu, Nyoxanini, Georgina, Nitakukhoma hi Kwini (by Fany Mpfumo), Andar Com Fé, Balafon, Refavela, Tiu Ru Ru (by Gilberto Gil). Based on the concept of “trail/residue”, the comparative analysis of this repertoire was guided by authors who discussed in depth the themes of phraseology and rhythm. Certifying the power of the Africanias, through the transatlantic musicality, the results were surprising by demonstrating the many common traces to the music of the two artists, mainly in the marked use of certain rhythmic patterns – tresillo, hemíola, false triplet –, which ultimately contribute to the construction of complex contrapuntal networks.