Although Black music is the foundation of many brazilian cultures, its celebration often remains limited to private circles. As a Black man, I noticed that the predominant narrative about Blackness often emphasizes struggle and pain, leaving little room to highlight beauty, spirituality, and cultural contributions. Additionally, there was a clear lack of accessible initiatives that used music to uplift Black self-esteem, particularly in a context where Black culture is undervalued or reduced to stereotypes. Faced with logistical challenges for a physical exhibition, the project took on a digital format to reach a broader audience and overcome access limitations.
The solution was Itọrọ, a digital exhibition designed to showcase the rich contributions of Brazilian Black music in an inspiring and accessible way. Developed using Figma, the project embraced empowerment through a vibrant visual identity with colors like yellow and purple, symbolizing African ancestry and cultural richness. The site features discographies, music analyses, and historical insights, along with an integrated Spotify playlist to amplify the experience. This initiative not only strengthened the identity and self-esteem of Black individuals but also demonstrated the power of music to connect and inspire, transforming Itọrọ into more than just a project — into a celebration of culture and a message of positivity.
