Rogê Brings the Brazilian Soul to Norway: A Meeting with 'Curyman'

On Brazil’s Independence Day, September 7th, Rogê will take the stage at Cosmopolite Scene in Oslo for his first performance in Norway. In an exclusive interview with Brasil i Norge, the artist shared his expectations for this special moment as he tours Europe with his ninth and latest album, Curyman. Rogê reflects on his career, which is marked by a rich musical evolution and collaborations with major stars of Brazilian music such as Seu Jorge, Arlindo Cruz, Arthur Verocai, among others. For a decade, Rogê was a constant presence at the legendary Carioca da Gema bar in the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa in Rio de Janeiro, where he consolidated his position in the carioca music scene. Now, in partnership with Thommy Brenneck, the renowned producer and guitarist who has worked with stars like Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga, Rogê explores a new sound that transcends borders. Nominated for a Latin Grammy, the artist sees himself as a representative of Brazilian music abroad, bringing the sophistication and energy of his sound to new audiences.

Rogê - Curyman

Rogê, your career has been marked by a rich musical evolution. Your previous albums, such as Brasil Em Brasa and Breguelé, have strong influences of samba-rock and funk. How was the transition to the more refined and global sound of your album Curyman? What motivated this change in style?

This transition was a natural evolution for someone who is always searching for something new. Moving to the United States and partnering with Thommy Brenneck were crucial for the sound that shaped Curyman.

Rogê, your career has been marked by a rich musical evolution. Your previous albums, such as Brasil Em Brasa and Breguelé, have strong influences of samba-rock and funk. How was the transition to the more refined and global sound of your album Curyman? What motivated this change in style?

This transition was a natural evolution for someone who is always searching for something new. Moving to the United States and partnering with Thommy Brenneck were crucial for the sound that shaped Curyman.

After spending a decade at the forefront of Lapa's music scene, you decided to move to Los Angeles in 2019, which undoubtedly brought new challenges and inspirations. How did this change influence the creative process of the album Curyman compared to your previous works? Did your collaboration with Seu Jorge in the U.S. and other new partnerships influence the sound of this album?

Moving to the United States and the local scene in Los Angeles made me see my work in a new way, especially working with American producers and musicians. Being open to new influences was crucial. Curyman is a true picture of my arrival in the United States.

You mentioned in a recent interview that you now feel like a true representative of Brazilian music in the United States. How does it feel to carry this responsibility, and how is this reflected in the sound and messages of Curyman?

As my work grows and the public's response increases, so does the responsibility. Representing Brazilian culture abroad is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. This is reflected in the daily preparation to be ready to represent our culture, and especially Brazilian music.

This will be your first time performing for the Norwegian audience. How do you feel about that? For those who are not yet familiar with your music, how would you describe it? What are the key elements you would like the audience to notice in your songs, and what can they expect from this debut?

Every new venue I perform at is a joy but also a challenge. As a popular saying goes, the artist must be where the people are, and every new opportunity to play in a new place confirms that my music is growing and reaching more people. Brazilian culture and music have a great wealth that balances sophistication and accessibility, and this is what I try to convey in my music—sophistication in harmony and rhythms, but always with a strong connection to the audience's energy. That's what I hope people will notice.

As a carioca who has lived intensely in Rio de Janeiro, how would you describe the city to Norwegians? Which cultural aspects, landscapes, and energies of the city do you think resonate most with your music, and what would you like to share with the Norwegian audience?

As Gilberto Gil says in one of his most famous songs: "O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo, o Rio de Janeiro continua sendo" (Rio de Janeiro continues to be beautiful, Rio de Janeiro continues to exist). I am eternally a son of this place, and Rio is present in every cell of my music. Rio is samba, the sea, the smile, and the swing, and this spirit will be represented in the show I’m bringing to Norway.

Rio de Janeiro

What can the audience expect from the show in Oslo on September 7th?

The audience can expect Curyman in full force: lots of Brazilian spirit, energy, and love. The entire process, from preparation to performance, is done with a lot of love.

Finally, what message would you like to leave for the Norwegian audience and the Brazilian community in Norway?

The message I want to give is that in each of us, there is a voice that speaks all the time, and this voice is what truly matters. We must learn to listen to this inner voice, for all the answers are within us. So, as the song says: "em cada um de nós existe uma voz" (in each of us, there is a voice). Thank you, much love, kisses.

To purchase tickets for Rogê's concert at Cosmopolite, go to: Cosmopolite Rogê