Cissa Paz is a Brazilian singer-songwriter, who has been living in the U.S. for over 20 years. She told me that her music is heavily influenced by her childhood idols in Brazil. Flavors of virtuoso musicians such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte and many others can be found in the roux of her eclectic sound.
More recently, her muse was reawakened by the contemporary music of Lusophone African countries like Angola and Cape Verde. She believes that music resonates strongly with her because of the region’s similarity to the culture and language of Brazil.
Cissa describes herself as “a single mom of two boys, striving for my dreams and always looking to inspire and be inspired by people.
“The world we live in can be grim, with wars, hatred and now a pandemic. Music is important because it brings people together and moves emotions, bringing us closer to our hearts.”
Here are couple examples of Cissa’s tremendous talent and love of music. Enjoy!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a single mom of two amazing boys. My immediate family immigrated here from Brazil in the late 90’s and we are very close. Before the pandemic we would have lunch every Sunday together, they are the reason I’ve stayed in this area for so long.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been a musician all my life, but I didn’t start taking in seriously until around 2010, when I started working on my first album. I love inspiring people and being inspired by other artists, teaching people about Brazilian music and culture and sharing the joy!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I tend to cook at home more and like to eat healthy. But there are a couple of favorite restaurants like Jaleo, Sushi Jin
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since 2011, I was between NY and Virginia before then.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Peru, because I had a trip planned there in April! I was leading a wellness/spiritual retreat where I’d be teaching yoga and meditation.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Like Water for Chocolate, Amelie, Sex and Lucia, City of God, Volver, Cinema Paradiso.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Surfing in Hawaii
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Djavan
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Assata Shakur, because she’s an amazing woman and revolutionary. We’d have lunch somewhere in Havana, Cuba. But if she could be here we’d have lunch at my house.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like the bike paths.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Miami or Bahia, with a little backyard food forest and lots of friends and music.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a horticulture enthusiast and just started a new etsy store selling “plantie” things.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Miles Davis
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Salty ocean water.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Comfort.
A Conversation with Cissa Paz on the Real Estate, Wine, & More Podcast w/Howard Fletcher
