Shocking Revelations: The Dark Side of Jazz in Portugal and Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Voice of Change: Beatriz Nunes Speaks Out

Beatriz Nunes, a 35-year-old singer and ethnomusicologist, has been at the forefront of activism in the jazz community. Having lent her soprano voice to the renowned group Madredeus from 2011 to 2015, she now serves as a composer and voice teacher at Hot Clube in Lisbon.

Nunes describes the current atmosphere in the Portuguese jazz scene as one of shock following the recent sexual harassment allegations that surfaced after DJ Liliana Cunha accused pianist João Pedro Coelho of rape. This situation has not come as a surprise to many, but rather highlights the extent and normalization of such issues within the community.

Nunes emphasizes the urgent need for reparations as the jazz community grapples with the implications of these accusations. She insists that the abuse of power by those in positions of authority, particularly within the music industry, is a serious issue that must be addressed. As a scholar in gender studies, she advocates for a deeper understanding of how sexual exploitation is often masked by the prestige associated with being a musician.

The conversation around sexual misconduct in the jazz scene is not only crucial for the artists involved but also for the broader cultural landscape in Portugal, where the repercussions of these allegations may drive significant change and awareness regarding gender dynamics in the arts.