Between Brazil and Portugal, a journalist explores identity and African roots
Amina Bawa, a journalist and cultural producer, has spent years navigating life between Brazil and Portugal. She describes her identity as '100% Brazilian and carioca,' while also embracing her Nigerian roots. Her experiences in both countries have shaped her views on race, culture, and belonging—topics she often explores in her work and travels.
Bawa first moved to Portugal in 2016, seeking stability during Brazil's political upheaval. The impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff had created a tense atmosphere, and she found Portugal to be a calming 'oasis' by comparison. Since then, she has become a frequent traveller between the two nations, offering informal advice to others considering a similar move.
Her connection to Nigeria remains strong, even though she has never visited. She stays in close contact with relatives there, honouring the legacy of her late father, who left Brazil when she was young to study in Africa. Despite this distance, she proudly claims 50% African heritage alongside her Brazilian identity.
Bawa's observations extend beyond personal ties. In Brazil, she notes, discussions on Blackness often centre on academic research, such as the work of the Whiteness Observatory. Portugal, however, offers her a different perspective—one rooted in real, everyday African experiences rather than abstract study. She argues for research that reflects personal narratives rather than treating marginalised groups as distant subjects.
Through her podcast, O Tal Podcast, she shares insights on Portugal's shifting political landscape. She also encourages students to consider Portugal not just for education, but for the broader cultural and social lessons it provides.
Bawa's journey highlights the contrasts between Brazil's academic focus on race and Portugal's lived African influences. Her work bridges these worlds, offering guidance to those exploring similar paths. For now, she continues to split her time between countries, deepening her understanding of identity, politics, and belonging along the way.
