In the lineage of my soul, jazz and samba intertwine—a melody of past and present. The smooth allure of jazz caresses my senses, its improvisational spirit a testament to freedom.

Yet, the samba beats within me, a pulsating force that moves me to the core. It is the rhythm of my ancestors, a vibrant echo of their resilience and joy. In every drumbeat, I hear their stories—their struggles, their triumphs.

My feet, though they may wander, are rooted in the hallowed ground of the slave quarters. There, amidst the shadows of history, my spirit dances—a defiant flame against the darkness.

The samba is not just a dance; it’s a legacy. It’s the sweat and tears of generations, the collective heartbeat of a people who refused to be silenced. It’s the celebration of life itself, against all odds.

So, I embrace jazz, with its sultry notes and seductive rhythms. But I will never lose my roots, for the samba is the essence of who I am. It is the force that propels me forward, even as I honor the path laid by those who came before.

And in this beautiful duality, I find my truth—a harmony of heritage and innovation. For I am the legacy of the slave quarters, and I am the future they dreamed of.

Copyright © Beatriz Esmer