Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Brendan Forrest is a Folk, Bluegrass, and Americana artist from the Northside of Chicago who traded his urban life for the pastoral landscape of Southwest Colorado.  

Brendan is often described as “a rising star” amongst the ranks of the Americana music scene as he continues to grow fans with his signature sound. 

Stay tuned for the highly anticipated debut album “Daydreaming Music Fiend” available Summer 2024 — streaming on all platforms.

single and searching for the right man to be the king of my heart and love me for who I am 

Rafael was born in 1984 in Maputo, Mozambique at a time when brother fought against brother in a civil
war.  One can still see the affects of the civil war from the worn torn buildings and unrepaired streets.
Maputo is a densely populated city. Yet, when you look toward the countries east
coast, there are miles and miles of breathtaking coastline along the Indian Ocean.  The people of
Mozambique are known worldwide for their positive disposition and outlook.  They tend to take one day
at a time, hoping that each day will be better than the day before.Rafael was born into a family of artists in the Chope and Nhungwe Tribe. Like his ancestors, Rafael is
dedicating his career to the preservation of tradition and culture of his tribe through music and art.   As a
youngster, instilled by the exposure from family and friends, Rafael developed a passion for music and
dance. He was particularly drawn to African hand-drums and the timbila, an instrument comparable to what
is known as a xylophone.  Still true today, the Chope Tribe is best known for building the timbila. Through a
skillful and tedious process, the timbila is handmade from muenge wood and massala (dry gourds).
dance. He was particularly drawn to African hand-drums and the timbila, an instrument comparable to what
is known as a xylophone.  Still true today, the Chope Tribe is best known for building the timbila. Through a
skillful and tedious process, the timbila is handmade from muange wood and massala (dry gourds).
In his elementary school years, Rafael was further inspired by his teachers to develop his music and dance
skills. He spent many hours after school practicing with peers by flickering candlelight.  
One of Rafael’s major accomplishments is the co-founding of Xindiro Company, a traditional music and
dance group.  He took on the leadership role of organizing fundraising and securing event sites. The Xindiro
Company became a sought out group,  At the Annual Drum festival of 2006, the company won the award for
best overall performance in music and dance.  and have been touring Africa and Europe still.
His last tour with Company was in 2010 The Netherlands.

and provide hope and inspiration during a most desperate time.  Rafael participated in numerous
performances locally and regionally specializing in percussion and timbilia.  By the age of 20, Rafael
auditioned for and subsequently became a member of the professional music and dance group at the
Maputo House of Culture. His leadership skills were apparent and by age 16 he took his first trip outside of
Maputo, participating in a performance at a cultural festival in Swaziland.  Since then he has performed in
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, and USA, as well as throughout his homeland of
Mozambique.   Have been member co-founder of the Band Loafers and Sneakers, The Rogers, Rotation of creation. And  recently  Rafael Langa and Ngoma Band . Co-founded with John Bassel- Bass ( USA), Richard Batchelder-Drums (USA) , Danilo Portugal- Percursao, birimbau (Brasil) , Abel Damsceno- Percursao (Brasil).. Rafael is very proud and humbled by his accomplishments, sharing
that it takes “strong collaboration to be successful”.  Rafael’s love for traditional African music and and world music, dance is
infectious.  He is determined to preserve and inspire others through music and dance. He embraces,
appreciates, and respects the cultural heritage of others.

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