THE INTERVIEW

Gilberto Gil


One of the most important and influential Brazilian musicians belonging to the tropicalista generation is now the Minister of Culture for the exciting political and social project led by Lula Da Silva. Gilberto Gil has visited the Forum as Minister of Culture, but a minister who has not turned his back on his trade: his music.

Who are you and what are you doing at Forum Barcelona 2004?
My name is Gilberto Gil and I'm a 61-year-old singer-songwriter. I am here at the Forum to take part in discussions on general issues that currently concern humanity as a whole. I'm also here to sing.

What made you agree to take part in Forum Barcelona 2004?
I am a natural member of the community that reflects on our concerns and problems, our "problematica" and "solucionatica" as we say in Brazil. I am involved in this process as an artist and political activist, so it seemed natural for me to accept the invitation to participate in the Forum.

Has anything surprised you about the Universal Forum of Cultures - Barcelona 2004?
Well, during a press conference with the Mayor of Barcelona Joan Clos, Rigoberta Menchú suggested that the UN choose a third national and international representative; a world government where the house of representatives were a Chamber of Deputies chosen by the people and the Senate were selected by governments.

How do you combine being a singer-songwriter with your duties as Brazil's Minister of Culture?
It isn't a problem because it was a personal decision. I have decided to dedicate most of my time to the Ministry, which is only natural. Of course, I also devote some of my time to singing.

Do you have time to compose songs?
Since I was appointed minister I haven't been able to write even one new song. I don't have time to write music, which is a special task that needs its own time.

Do you miss it?
Well, I already knew what working in politics implied, so it wasn't a surprise.

Is Brazil on the path to becoming a social democracy?
Considering that democracy encompasses all spheres-economic, political, social, religious, etc.-, if we maintain a generalized democratic process, the tendency will be to increasingly embrace a racial democracy, where everybody respects everybody else's participation and the historic debt is paid back.

What does Gilberto Gil do to pollute less?
I try to build awareness and establish a more friendly relationship with nature. I believe that I am part of nature, therefore I make an effort to develop an understanding between myself and what surrounds me.

Has Brazil shown an interest in giving continuity to Forum Barcelona 2004?
The Porto Alegre Forum is a very similar event, although it is more representative because it has been held for four years. This year it was in India, then it will return to Porto Alegre and in two years time it will be taken to Africa. The Forum brings together experts, academicians, activists, politicians, etc. who discuss the problems that affect us all and look for solutions.

What is your wish for Forum Barcelona 2004? How would you like it to end?
Barcelona is a city that is mobilized to find solutions to its local demands and also makes an effort to answer to international demands; a city that feels solidarity towards the general questioning of the international system and brings together representatives from around the world as other forums have done so in the past. I think the results of the Forum will be in line with those of an international movement that seeks to become consolidated. Forum Barcelona 2004 will help to foster a new position, a new left-wing movement, a community that protests against the problems caused by globalization.


THE TEST

A place to live / visit
Bahía

The best invention of all time
The plane

What did you want to be when you were little?
A doctor and, before that, musician

What do you wear to bed?
nothing

A dream
A peaceful death

Favorite dish
«Chin Chin di galinha»

A mania
Kindness

A book
"Antología de la realidad" by Francisco Maturana from Chile

You have admiration for...
Many people, Caetano Veloso, for example

A quote
Silence