Jongo

Julia was a student of his at the Ação em Cidadania (Action in Citizenship) Community Center in Santa Teresa, and I went there to see what jongo was and to find out more about Ação em Cidadania.

I was struck instantly by the drumbeats of Peter, the incredible energy of Darcy, and I wound up spending the entire afternoon dancing jongo. Afterward, Darcy came to visit BSAG, we had a beer and were feted to some of his fascinating tales. Darcy liked the place and we started the regular Wednesday jongo sessions. Darcy’s friends, other jongueiros, began to frequent BSAG, the neighborhood kids were also enthralled and were welcomed to participate.

So, in a way, Darcy’s appearances inaugurated the house. Dona (Lady) Su also showed up sometimes. I began to learn more about the importance of jongo, the importance of Darcy, his travels with Carlos Machado, the history of Serrinha, and all the complex relationships among the people involved in jongo. At one of the Wednesday sessions, Darcy solemnly announced that BSAG would be the “House of Jongo” in Rio’s South Zone. Wednesdays began to attract more and more people – other musicians, actors, a large and diverse group.

One day Darcy brought two big special drums and I began to understand their importance even better. I also began to learn the lyrics of all the songs. The neighborhood kids took naturally to jongo. During Sergio Cezar’s exhibition, we had a presentation by Maestro Darcy and Dona Sul. I think this was his next to last public appearance.

One day, he appeared without telling us in advance – we were having a barbecue, and Darcy livened up the party in his own inimitable way. We all drank beer, danced and sang until nearly midnight. A friend accompanied him to the bus stop to go home. The next day we learned of his death.

A year after his death, we opened the Maestro Darcy of Jongo Room at BSAG, with the presence of Serrinha, including Tia (Auntie) Maria, and it was unforgettable. Just like Darcy had said, BSAG is still the “House of Jongo” in the South Zone. The local kids still dance jongo and show up for events, often organized by Telma, widow of Jorge Rodrigues and today responsible for his atelier.

My friendship with Maestro Darcy was short, but truly unforgettable. I try to disseminate jongo and all his work wherever I go. Dex gave me a CD of Serrinha, and I sent it to my American friend Mary Catherine Smith, who is in love with all things Brazilian. Mary has a radio program in Ann arbor, Michigan, called Brazilian Soul and it was an emotional experience for me, one cold day there, to hear the Serrinha CD on the radio. I hope Maestro Darcy is smiling down on me!

Leila Barbosa

[back to afro-brazilian culture]