Brazil

São Paulo

Music 

Dance

Brazilian selector Kontronatura is shaking up the South American dance scene.

Rising from the Escuro collective, which spotlights Black and Afro-diasporic artists, Kontronatura’s sound has shifted from disco and soul to kuduro, funk, Jersey club and footwork. As a transmasculine artist, he transforms the dancefloor into a space of liberation, confronting the lack of trans representation in electronic music.

It's via his residency at the Brazilian queer party Mamba Negra that he's brought his fiery sound to stages around the world, from Latin America to Europe.

As a key figure within São Paulo's Black queer community, Kontronatura knows the spots. From LGBTQIA+ spaces to listening bars with a view, here he's spotlighted his favourite places in São Paulo. If you're visiting or have out-of-town friends coming to the city, these travel tips are for you.

Komah is my go-to Korean spot. Every dish there is amazing, but you have to try the rib rice and the kimchi dumplings – they’re something else.

Koya88 is where you wanna be if you’re looking for some fancy drinks with super intricate flavours. I’d recommend getting the edamame, the pork cheek sandwich and definitely the Miss Geisha and Wasabi Sour cocktails.

WAFU Izakaya is an awesome sushi bar! It’s got this cosy vibe, delicious drinks and special sushi made with the freshest fish you can find. I always head there for special celebrations.

Mapu Baos serves Taiwanese bites that really hit different! The place is usually packed, but it’s worth the wait. I’m obsessed with the pork belly bao and the miso eggplant bites. Their drinks are super refreshing too.

Cervejaria Central is the spot for craft beer lovers! They’re always switching up their menu with innovative and top-notch beers. You’ve gotta try the Estopim draft beer – it’s a classic. Oh, and the sausage bolovo is fire!

Kraut Bar has a special place in my heart since I worked there for years before my DJ career took off. It’s a chill bar with German-inspired sandwiches and great drinks at super good prices. Try the pumpkin schnitzel sandwich and the Gurke drink.

Preto is a high-end Nagô cuisine restaurant led by a chef from Bahia, blending Brazilian, Portuguese and African influences. It’s all about celebrating our Black culture with a fresh, decolonial twist – just like the restaurant’s name suggests.

Matiz Bar is São Paulo’s newest listening bar, with insane acoustics and amazing DJ sets – plus, a killer view of the city. I’m a big fan of their drinks too.

Mamãe Bar is the new LGBTQIAP+ spot in São Paulo. It’s super simple, but the beer is always ice cold, and the Cariri with honey shots are on point. It’s a cosy place, and if you’re out for a wild night, you’ll probably end up at Mamãe ‘cause it stays open late.

The Roda de Samba on Mondays at Funilaria are a must. It’s a classic hangout, and we always take our out-of-town friends there. If you want a cold beer and dance, some classic love songs of Pagode and Samba on a Monday, this is the spot. Nothing brings people together like a good Brazilian music!

Funilaria Bixiga

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