Brazilian Roberto Scienza has been studying French in recent years, but has learned more intensively since his arrival in Montreal in September 2021. He barely spoke the language when he packed his bags in Montreal-Trudeau, but that's all history now.
At La Voix on Sunday we could see that he had made great progress. He speaks the Vigneault language effortlessly and his accent is simply adorable, as is his personality. And he loves Quebec so much that he wants to stay there “forever.”
PHOTO BY BERTRAND EXERTIER, PROVIDED BY TVA
It was a subway user from Montreal named Lorraine who encouraged the 31-year-old bluesman to try his luck at La Voix. She discovered his potential while he was playing at the Henri-Bourassa train station.
“Lorraine broke down walls for me,” said Roberto, who never dared to take part in The Voice Brasil in his home country.
“Before Lorraine I was a little “down” with my music. “The Voice” helped me believe in myself and Lorraine helped me a lot with that.”
The 66-year-old was of course present at her blind audition broadcast on Sunday to encourage her friend. She said to Charles Lafortune, “I came from work and heard the voice of a prince.” Then she said to Roberto, “You're already a star. If I had the means, I would make money with you!” Then she advised him: “In the meantime, you should go to La Voix.” She believes he will win the 10th season.
France recognizes a “real”
France D'Amour recruited Roberto to his team. She was the first to press her red button, right at the start of the performance of Eddie “Son” House’s song “Death Letter.” She believes her protégé is “a real” bluesman.
PHOTO BY BERTRAND EXERTIER, PROVIDED BY TVA
The likeable musician has a doctorate in philosophy and is pursuing a second doctorate in comparative literature at the University of Montreal. He started singing in restaurants with his grandfather, then was part of rock and heavy metal bands in Brazil.
He first came to Quebec in 2016, but when he returned five years later with his partner and their 13-year-old son, he opened the floodgates and learned French. To achieve this, he embraced Quebec culture, be it music or local films, and found work as a carer for two disabled children.
Roberto, who until last week sang on the subway and practiced songs for his new blues group, the Roberto Scienza Trio, enjoys writing songs and philosophical essays. He believes that the artist and the philosopher can coexist within him. He therefore dreams of becoming a musician and philosophy teacher in life.
“My favorite philosopher, Nietzsche, was a musician. Rousseau too. Philosophy, like music and literature, is creative.”