Damian Platt used to be Brazil campaigner at Amnesty International and is now the coordinator for international partnerships at the cultural group AfroReggae.
Tell us Damian when did this cultural movement start?
Well to make a show in a favela brings alegria happiness just for a few hours. How long lasts a show and why do you believe it a good vehicle to change something? And for how long?
So urban connections is just about a bringing a high profile show to a favela or are there any other activities?
You are in charge of the international partnerships. How would you characterise the AfroReggae international reputation right now?
I still haven’t understood quite yet what AfroReggae got to do with the favela, since it was a newspaper of Black culture and Reggae parties in Rio. Could you explain that to me?
Social integration via music is a widespread topic. So let’s keep that for next week when we will continue our talk focusing more on the role of music and the everyday life in a favela.