Gilberto Gil has always had a soft spot for London. Back in the early 1970s the capital was a refuge for the iconic Brazilian musician, who was exiled here for two years after being arrested by the Brazilian military dictatorship and told to leave the country. He was under house arrest when he wrote the samba Aquele Abraco (That Hug), in which he sings about the people and places he’ll miss when he’s gone; the track was a massive hit in Brazil while Gil and Caetano Veloso, with whom he co-founded the countercultural Tropicalista movement that reshaped Brazilian music, were living in the UK: vibing to the Beatles. Cheering on Chelsea FC. Helping to stage the first ever Glastonbury Festival.
“I learned to love London,” said Gil, who received a standing ovation before he reached his mic. “I even bought an electric guitar.”
