Joanah Flor

A Voice of Empowerment and Diasporic Resonance

Emerging from the vibrant cultural heart of Olinda, Pernambuco, Joanah Flor is a multifaceted artist whose work transcends music to become a powerful force for social change. As a singer, songwriter, actress, social educator, and journalist, she has spent over two decades weaving together the rich tapestry of Northeastern Brazilian culture with universal themes of empowerment, resistance, and love. Her artistic journey, now in partnership with Tropical Diaspora Records, represents a profound alignment of personal mission and label philosophy, creating a narrative that stretches from the streets of Recife to the broader African diasporic experience.

Her collaboration with the Berlin-based label has yielded three significant singles that showcase her artistic evolution and activist core:

• "Deixa Ela / Leave Her" (2020): The foundational manifesto of their partnership, this anthem for female autonomy was recorded on the streets of Recife and atop the city hall, its message tragically underscored by being filmed on the same day as Marielle Franco's murder.

• "Sereia da Maré" (2024): A 2024 release that further explores her musical depth within the MPB genre, available on all major digital platforms.

• "Olhos de Avelã" (2025): Her latest work, released on May 17, 2025, to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia. This song transforms a tender forró love song between two women into a radiant anthem of queer joy and resilience.

Artistic and Philosophical Synergy with Tropical Diaspora Records

Tropical Diaspora Records is dedicated to crafting a musical narrative about the African diaspora's journey across the Atlantic, embracing both the horror and the hope of that experience. The label is acutely aware of using colonial languages like Portuguese and English as tools to subvert the very imperialist narratives they represent, choosing to speak rather than remain silent. Joanah Flor's work is a perfect embodiment of this mission. Her music is deeply informed by her ancestral roots and the regional culture of Pernambuco, yet it speaks to universal struggles for freedom and identity. This synergy makes her not just a recording artist but a vital voice in the label's project of cultural reclamation and dialogue.

Deep Dive: "Olhos de Avelã" (Hazel Eyes) - May 2025

The latest release, "Olhos de Avelã," is a poignant example of art evolving from personal narrative into public declaration. The song was originally penned by Viviane Oliveira as a gift to her beloved, Karicia de Paula, during the uncertain days of the pandemic—a tender forró celebrating the union of two women. Five years later, Joanah Flor has given it new life as a "radiant anthem of queer joy and resilience".

• Theme & Significance: More than a love song, it is a "battle cry for beauty and courage," released intentionally on the International Day Against Homophobia. Its lyrics, such as "me faz amar sem medo de entregar meu coração" (make me love without fear of giving my heart), serve as a celebration of affection without barriers and a call to fight LGBT+phobia.

• Musical Arrangement: The track beautifully blends traditional Northeastern Brazilian instruments like the accordion (Raniel Souza), viola, and cavaquinho (Rubem França) with double bass (André Campos) and percussion (Rafael Peixoto), creating a sound that is authentically regional and deeply emotive.

• Production: The recording was mixed at Studio A in Recife and received analog tape mastering at Estúdio Pombo in Teresópolis, ensuring a rich, warm sound that honors both its digital release and future physical formats.

A Continuous Flow of Art and Activism

The 2024 single "Sereia da Maré" further cemented Joanah's place within the Tropical Diaspora catalogue, offering another facet of her musical versatility. Like her other works, it is available across all digital platforms, ensuring global accessibility.

These releases are not isolated projects but part of a continuous artistic stream. Joanah Flor remains a dynamic live performer, fronting the band Exotérios and gracing stages at major festivals like São João de Campina Grande and Sonora. Furthermore, her deep commitment to activism continues through her work with the Recife Women’s Secretariat and projects like "Chapéu de Palha Mulher," proving that her art and her advocacy are inextricably linked.

Table: Joanah Flor's Releases with Tropical Diaspora Records

Conclusion: A Powerful Voice in the Diasporic Dialogue

Joanah Flor’s trilogy of releases with Tropical Diaspora Records—"Deixa Ela," "Sereia da Maré," and "Olhos de Avelã"—charts the evolution of an artist who is both a masterful musician and a courageous activist. Her work gives voice to the marginalized, celebrates love in all its forms, and powerfully connects the local cultural expressions of Brazil's Northeast to the global narrative of the African diaspora. Through digital streams and future physical collections, her message of empowerment, freedom, and resilience continues to inspire and challenge listeners around the world.