Sidirlei Vagnei Ferreira (photo), better known as Leleco, is a retired agronomist born in the city of Bauru, in Brazil’s São Paulo state. At the Spiritist Centre he attends – Amor e Caridade (Love and Charity) – he uses his music to disseminate the teachings of Jesus.  How and when did you become a Spiritist?  I began to learn the teachings as a young child. As I grew up into an adult, I fully embraced Spiritism. I have few but very fond memories of my childhood. I remember going to a local Spiritist Centre every Sunday morning with my family.

What about your passion for music? Where does it come from?

Again, it comes from my childhood, but it was later, as a young man, that I carried out all sorts of experiments with my voice. I eventually became a professional singer, but now music for me is only about philanthropy. 

Where do you get the inspiration for you song writing?  

I learned to write songs when I was very young, in various genres and rhythms. These days my source of inspiration is the Gospel of Jesus, with the help of the Spiritist teachings. In my songs, I tell the stories and experiences we all go through – my brothers and sisters, as well as me. 

How do you go about the choice of themes for your songs, bearing in mind your knowledge of Spiritism? 

Jesus Christ’s story is fascinating. It offers you the possibility of addressing almost any subject. And when you add elements of Spiritism and begin talking about past and future lives, then you can certainly reach people in their deepest emotions. 

What has been the reaction from the public to your songs? 

I’ve always made sure I sang in various styles and rhythms. In order to reach everyone, you must be able to sing a bit of everything, and that’s what I’ve done. And I can often see people singing along, others with tears in their eyes, others with a big smile across their faces, all sharing their emotions with me.

What is the atmosphere like, from a Spiritist point of view, during your performances? 

Very often you realise that the Spiritual Benefactors are there with you, working alongside us incarnates in the Spiritist Centre to help our brothers and sisters in need of assistance, making the most as they get deeply involved in the lyrics and melody. 

Is there a particular performance that you would like to highlight? 

All the performances have been special to me, but I remember with particular affection an occasion when I sang a song for Izaias Claro and the great medium, Divaldo Pereira Franco – a well-known song written by his spiritual mentor, Joanna de Ângelis. Izaias and Divaldo both remarked later that Joanna de Ângelis had been there during the performance and that she was very honoured and happy. 

Do you see any problem in using music during Spiritist activities? 

There are problems, obstacles indeed, and I think people still react against it in the same way they did in the 1980s. I know we are all improving and learning, little by little – artists, Spiritist managers, workers, volunteers etc. And I’m sure one day we’ll see Spiritst art helping in the dissemination of these blessed teachings. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I would like to see those in charge of Spiritist institutions opening their doors for the arts. I believe that the Spiritual Benefactors use the music, the theatre, fine paintings and literature to enhance our sensibility and help all spirits progress, all of us, incarnates and discarnates.