Ponto de Joaquim de Angola

The song 'Ponto de Joaquim de Angola' performed by Juliana D Passos from the channel Macumbaria is a spiritual piece deeply rooted in the Afro-Brazilian religious tradition of Umbanda. The lyrics are a tribute to Pai Joaquim, a spirit entity often associated with the wisdom of the elderly and the healing powers of traditional African medicine. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with the constant invocation of Pai Joaquim's name, is characteristic of pontos cantados (sung points) in Umbanda, which are used to invoke the energies of specific Orixás (deities) or spirit guides.

The mention of Pai Joaquim coming from Angola references the historical connection between Brazil and Angola through the transatlantic slave trade, which brought a rich cultural and spiritual heritage to Brazil, including the roots of Umbanda. The song also mentions Pai Mané, another spirit entity, who is said to be in the forest gathering guiné, a plant known for its protective and healing properties in Afro-Brazilian spiritual practices. The instruction for Pai Mané to 'suba a escada e não bata o pé' (climb the stairs and don't stomp your feet) could be interpreted as guidance for approaching the spiritual realm with respect and without causing disturbance.

The song serves as a medium for spiritual connection and reverence, and its repetitive, rhythmic nature facilitates a trance-like state for practitioners during rituals. Juliana D Passos' rendition of 'Ponto de Joaquim de Angola' is a modern representation of this traditional practice, preserving the cultural and spiritual legacy of Afro-Brazilian ancestry while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.