The Brazilian Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jerusa Leão, aka JER, creates an eclectic sound (psychedelic rock, dub, and afrobeat grooves fused with Northeast Brazilian rhythms and Tropicalia influences from the classic ‘70s era) that challenges preconceived notions of what constitutes traditional Brazilian music.
Beginning her career at a young age, JER grew up around the semi-arid cities of Bahia, the magical Brazilian state known for music and celebration. She is a champion who survives off her own skill and faith. Over the course of a decade, JER has contributed several impressive musical projects that span different genres and continents. Her participation in Toronto’s music scene is continuous and wide reaching. Backed by May (saxophone), Andrew Pacheco (bass), João Leão (keys) and Dhaivat Jani (drums), JER transcends musical boundaries, drawing on the players’ roots in Canadian, Japanese, Brazilian and Indian cultures. JER is currently working on her first full length album, a follow up to her 2022 single ‘Broken,’ released on the Lulaworld label.