In a tête-à-tête, singer-songwriter Sofia Hoffmann speaks to us about how her love for sitar, her interest in Indian classical music, and her trips to India have together guided her musical journey.
Through her voice, Sofia Hoffmann aims to bring together not only music genres but also cultures from different corners of the world. For her latest album, REBIRTH, the Portuguese-German singer, songwriter, and sitarist — the woman dons many hats — beautifully gathers jazz, Indian classical music, and Portuguese rhythm in 11 songs.
Currently on her trip to India, Hoffmann is putting together a soulful serenade at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. Performing next to her is the internationally-acclaimed sitar player Arjun Verma, who has been a key element in the original musical identity of this album. Ahead of her performance in the capital, we speak to the talented singer-songwriter about how her trips to India (Goa, in particular) and her passion for Indian classical music have played a part in her musical creations.
1. REBIRTH has brought you all the way from Lisbon to Delhi! Tell us all about the latest album and your tour.
I designed my latest album during the pandemic period, in an attempt to reunite the world through music. The collection was carefully prepared with the selection of the repertoire as well as the images, which are included in the album’s booklet. Each song delivers a specific message and triggers distinct emotions, some of them with healing energy.
2. How did you get introduced to the Vermas? What spiked your interest in sitar and Indian classical music? Take us through your journey.
Arjun Verma is my guru’s son, my friend, and my sitar teacher. I personally met Arjun as when the late Acharya Roop Verma ji (disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan) passed in March 2017. It was a difficult moment for all of us as his father touched so many hearts, and in my case, planted the seed of Indian classical music through his sitar, while we were meditating during the Nada Yoga retreats which were conducted in Portugal.
As I heard Roop ji play sitar for the first time, I was immediately drawn to this instrument and felt I had to learn it, so I asked him to teach me. I had to think and wait six months until I was finally accepted as his disciple in May 2015 — a moment I will never forget, as it meant so much to me.
3. Are any of your songs inspired by your trips or experiences in India?
One of the songs, “One Soul” ballad, from my first album was totally inspired by this beautiful country. The single “Esperarei”, which I wrote in October 2020 during one of the lockdowns, was not only inspired by India, but was actually based on the fact that I was missing the friends I made back here. This was actually the song that led to the creation of the REBIRTH album, as I felt the need to connect the east (India) with the west (USA, where some of my best friends live). I also wanted to include a chant, and the Saraswati mantra that means so much to me as it represents my music connection to India, was the perfect fit.
4. India has quite a few Portuguese settlements. Have you ever visited Goa or any other parts that have Portuguese influence? If yes, how was your experience culturally?
Yes, Portugal and India have a long-time connection! I did visit Goa in 2012, and I met a lot of people there who had Portuguese names, but wouldn’t speak the language, which, to me, was very funny. Also, the architecture I saw in the old city as well as part of the gastronomical experience I had there, typically had Portuguese influence. It was a nice and interesting experience. I would definitely love to go back, and, who knows, share my music also there.
5. What do you think of the Indian version of Fado? Does your music have strains of saudade? We’d love to dig deep into your music.
I believe that Indian musicians have the ability to “dive” into any kind of music! I would love to learn more about the Indian Fado versions, although I’m not a Fado expert. On the other hand, I do have some of the saudade (i.e. a feeling of missing and longing for something or someone) in my theme “Esperarei“, and from the listeners’ reaction, it looks like the melancholy of the music reaches peoples’ hearts!
6. Where are you travelling next?
In terms of concerts, I still have a couple of places to explore including Portugal, Germany, France, and Spain. The USA will also be in the pipeline regarding my REBIRTH tour.
7. What’s on your bucket list for 2023?
One of my bucket-list countries is Indonesia (Bali), and I hope to be able to travel there soon, as I love nature, historical places with spiritual traditions, the sun, and the sea. India also has other interesting cities, which I don’t know much about yet, with interesting concert venues, so it will definitely continue to be a part of my annual travelling plans.
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