Antonio Emanuel Camêlo Figueiredo (Totonho):  

“There will not be peace in this world unless we are in peace”  

The musician and songwriter from Brazil’s Pernambuco state talks about the importance of music in Spiritism

	Antonio Emanuel Camêlo Figueiredo (photo), better known as Totonho, was born in Altinho and lives in Caruaru, also in Pernambuco. He became a Spiritist in 1986 and has been at several Spiritist Centres in the region. Totonho is a songwriter and singer. He has two
CDs recorded, one of them with Spiritist music. And he is a driving force in taking music to Spiritist Centres, during regular meetings and special events. That is the main issue discussed in this interview:

How did you become a Spiritist? 

It was through the pain brought about by the death of two uncles in a car crash. 

What role do you think music can play in Spiritist Centres? 

It can help disseminate the true teachings of Christ, mainly to young people, in the opening and closing parts of lectures and talks. 

Is music accepted by those directing the Spiritist Movement? 

Almost 100% here in Caruaru. 

What is the main theme that inspires you to write your songs? 

Everything that leads to do good, especially love, the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, abortion, the need to help others and especially a subject that is very dear to me: suicide.  

There is a steep growth in cases of mental illness. How do you think music can help in the treatment of such cases? 

It calms you down, it liberates you and at the same time it brings soothing in the suffering that for many is a needed step in their search for progress. 

How did you begin with Spiritist music? What are your aims? 

It began with my experience as a songwriter of regional music (from Brazil’s North-eastern region) and other genres. As I got involved in Spiritism, naturally I began to write songs with friendly themes. And I felt the urge to disseminate them, in the belief that music is an important aid to reflection and meditation. Hence, the main aim is to awaken people, and especially young people, to the responsibility of our actions. It is to show that we must be vigilant with our thoughts and that we need to learn to love others as we love ourselves.  

“Libertação e Amor” (“Liberation of Love”): Why did you choose this title for your CD? 

It comes from the quote: “Know the Truth and the Truth will liberate you”. It inspired a song entitled “Libertação”, which talks about the importance of knowing that our soul lives forever, and “Amor” (Love) as the source of Divine inspiration for everything I do. 

How does the music contribute towards your spiritual progress? 

It makes me read, go to talks and put all the teachings into practice according to my stage of spiritual development. 

What advice would you give to Spiritist musicians? 

To be very careful to avoid vanity and pride, and to carry on working harder and harder, with more and more love. 

Where is Jesus now? Is he among us now and no longer in the cross, as you say in one of your songs? 

In his Gospel you will find the answer: “Wherever there is more than one person gathered in my name I will be there”. 

Tell us a bit about your beautiful CD and your band. 

First and foremost I am grateful to God for the opportunity of finding the musicians that took part in this blessed project, “Liberação e Amor”: Sóstenes, Luciano, Manu, Robson do Sax and two special guests, my children Renato and Alysson, who sing in two tracks. And I cannot forget the encouragement of all my friends, in special Djan, Nélio, Edgar, my family and friends, incarnates and discarnates. 

Thank you for this interview. Anything else you would like to add? 

I thank our Father, Our Master Jesus and the Spiriting Benefactors for authorising this project to go ahead. And finally, I thank my family and friends, who have always backed me up. Fraternal regards to everyone.