Love of Literature, Music, and Teaching

Since leaving Brazil, Luana Cunha has lived in Winnipeg as a teacher and singer for about seven years.

“Music and teaching was always very natural in my life,” Cunha says. “Everybody knows me as a teacher and a singer.”

Currently, Cunha teaches Portuguese and English to children and adults. Additionally, she’s one-half of the Brazilian musical duo Sarau Carioca.

“We started to play about three years ago,” she says. “We have been playing (at) many projects and festivals, and we’re very happy (about) that.”

Before Sarau Carioca came to be, Cunha would sing at church and perform at weddings in Brazil. But after having moved to Canada, she connected with her bandmate, Marcos Martins. Together, they decided to form their duo. Cunha and Martins have been performing together for three years. For Cunha, her music brings her a deep sense of joy that raises her spirit.

If Cunha had to advise those who wanted to pursue a career in music, she’d say to do your best and persevere.

“Opportunities will come,” she says. “I believe that if you are constant, you can’t stop. If you stop, maybe your opportunity will not come. But if you are constant and you do your best – do your work with quality – I believe people will find you.”

– Keesha Harewood, U Multicultural