Rising talent in Afro House, Beka Episcopo talks about collab with Natema and Kreisler, and her journey

Sampling the legendary Dorival Caymmi, "Lerê" was released by Transa Records last Friday; the artist will have a release by Nature, from Curol, by the end of the year

Increasingly prominent in the Afro house/latin house scene, DJ, producer, and singer Beka Episcopo has been captivating thousands with her cohesive sets, high-level productions, and her unique voice, which functions as an instrument of connection between different cultures, traditions, and languages.

A resident of Pure Ibiza Radio on Sundays, a member of the duo Saevus et Mitis, with Ramony Farias, participant in B2Bs alongside names like French star Dimitri Nakov, and creator of hits like "Burumtu" (Across The Time, January/2023), which reached the Top 20 of Afro House on Beatport, the Italian-Brazilian artist based in Portugal released a standout single last Friday (18).

A result of a collaboration with Natema and Kreisler, "Lerê" (Transa Records) is a vibrant, immersive, colorful, and percussive production, complete with a tribute to the legendary Brazilian singer and poet Dorival Caymmi, as it uses samples from his song "Retirantes (Vida de Negro)," which was even featured in the 1976 telenovela "Escrava Isaura."

With the release as a hook, we had a chat with Beka about her journey. Check it out:

Beka, how did the idea of sampling Dorival Caymmi alongside Natema and Kreisler come about?

I used to listen to the original in soap opera reruns and found Dorival Caymmi's voice incredible, along with the originality in fusing our ancestry. Having partners like Natema and Kreisler to finalize the track added more power to my project.

And how was the production process of "Lerê"?

It was a true exploration of sounds and sensations. The careful mix of engaging house rhythms, pulsating percussion, and organic elements fused harmoniously. The strategic addition of synthesizers brought a layer of depth, while the undeniable groove permeated every note.

The secret was to embrace the ancestral roots of the sound, allowing the rhythms to flow naturally.

How do you view the final result of the work?

The result is a composition that not only captivates the ears but also evokes a sense of connection to the essence of music. Each beat was carefully chosen to guide listeners through an immersive sonic journey, where the past and present dance in perfect harmony.

What do you consider makes your music different?

Language, culture, rhythm, and percussion. I use Yoruba as a language to create a deep connection with Afro culture and history. I want to resonate strongly with people who share this cultural heritage or are interested in learning more about it.

My music features complex rhythms and rich percussion patterns that are characteristic of African and Afro-Latin musical cultures and traditions. These elements create a unique texture and a contagious rhythm of ancestry.

Moreover, I'm quite eclectic. I draw inspiration from names ranging from Erykah Badu and Cesária Évora to Black Coffee.

You also have plans to re-release "Wish U Were Here," which originally came out independently in January, and now it will be released by Nature, Curol's label. Why did you opt for this re-release?

Because with Curol's label, it was an attempt to give more direction and equivalence to the track. She really liked it, and I was thrilled to be on a Brazilian label that's gaining so much traction in my musical niche.

"Wish U Were Here" is originally a song by the Danish group Bliss from 2001. What led you to want to recreate it?

When I lived in Bali, Indonesia, it was the song I heard the most in the lounges of beach clubs, and it gave me a certain nostalgia. Bliss reminds me of moments of resilience and great strength.

Both in "Lerê" and "Wish U Were Here," we're talking about the use of pre-existing works. How were the processes of clearing the copyrights?

"Lerê" is a re-recording, and we used a two-second snippet to pay homage to the great Brazilian singer and composer Dorival Caymmi. "Wish U Were Here" was initially released without profit motives, so I chose to go through the DistroKid platform.

Now, with the move to Nature, we're in the final stages of adjustments for the release by the end of this year. We want to play it on the dance floors during the Brazilian summer.

You were born in Dourados/MS and now live in Cascais, a coastal region west of Lisbon, Portugal. How did this journey unfold, and how is the electronic scene in your region?

I was born in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, spent my childhood in São Paulo, and then moved to Europe. It's an honor to have the opportunity to contribute to the rich electronic scene in various parts of the world, such as Dubai, Paris, Brazil, and Ibiza.

The scene in Cascais is truly vibrant and diverse. By collaborating with local artists, participating in themed events, and staying updated with trends, I can contribute to the continuous growth of the Portuguese scene, known for its unique blend of styles and passionate fan base.

I'm very excited about the future of electronic music in the country and grateful to be part of this exciting movement.

What were the most significant moments in your career?

Among all the incredible experiences I've had, some stand out in a special way. Organizing the Yemanjá Fest in Arraial D'Ajuda, Bahia, was one of those moments that truly touched the heart.

The release of "Burumtu" was a significant milestone. Seeing this track being well-received and supported by the audience was a moment of validation and achievement. Similarly, feeling the support and acceptance of my new songs, like "Lerê" by Transa and "Wish U Were Here" with Curol, brought a sense of gratification for my work and dedication.

Recording my EP "Salima" and its subsequent acceptance by the audience, reaching the Top 100 on Beatport at 40th place, was an accomplishment that filled me with pride. Additionally, sharing the stage in a B2B with Dimitri Nakov in London and extending that experience to Ibiza was a fantastic opportunity.

And of course, I can't forget to mention becoming a resident at Pure Ibiza Radio, every Sunday at 9 p.m. This position allows me to share my passion for music with a global audience and open opportunities for new producers, something I deeply value.

What does music mean to you?

Music is love, it's a path. No matter the genre, it will always lead you to connect with the creator. Music is healing!