True love overcomes all obstacles - ignorance of local customs, language and distances. “Home Ochag” talked about love and family with “The Voice” show participant Gabriella and her husband Vitaly.
Vitaly: I saw Gabriella on stage in a restaurant. A Brazilian show came to Moscow, thirty-seven people on stage, everything was very beautiful, and suddenly she came out and started singing. At that moment everything inside me turned upside down.
True, when her partner started singing, I decided that they were a couple, well, people can’t sing like that if they don’t love each other! Okay, I think I’ll come over after the speech and just say thank you. They stood together on the street. I approached and started speaking in English, but Gabriella didn’t understand. Then this guy, Nerish, gets involved, and very quickly, at some points in his speech, I begin to suspect that he is of little interest to women, he is from a different category of men. It turned out, indeed, that he was just her friend and partner.
Gabriella then, like many foreigners, was afraid of Russians, thinking that they were aggressive and dangerous. And when I invited her to ride around Moscow, she took Nerish with her. As a translator and as a bodyguard. For three weeks he rode with us everywhere, then he got tired of it and said: enough, let’s do it ourselves, I have my own cultural program. In these three weeks I learned 30 Portuguese words. Gabriella showed objects on her fingers and named them, but it was difficult with intangible words. And yet, soon we began a real romance. Interesting: before that, it had never occurred to me to introduce my parents to my friend. And a week after meeting Gabriella, I wanted to show her to my family. It was summer, everyone was at the dacha, both grandparents. I called and warned that I was coming with very exotic friends. Of course, the relatives did not expect it and they were shocked, but rather of a joyful nature. My mother was crazy about Gabriella from the first minutes, not knowing the language, they somehow began to communicate...
Gabriella: I was afraid to get to know each other, but all my worries and fears went away instantly. His family immediately hugged me, accepted me, and I felt absolutely comfortable with them.
Vitaly: Yes, and in a month she had to fly home. I remember well how we walked through the airport, I saw her off. Gabriella then looked completely exotic - searing black hair, bright clothes, a typical Brazilian. I look at her and hear inside everything that my friends told me: “Vital, you are no longer a little naive boy, she will fly away to her place in Rio de Janeiro, she has her own life, family, she is a singer, and you are a serious person and so far away in Moscow... Well, yes, you indulged yourself for two months, like a holiday romance, but you have no future...” And suddenly I feel hurt to the point of tears: how is there no future?! Fuck you all! I don't want this to be the last time I see her. She flew away, and we began a period of daily calls on Skype and by phone, with crazy bills. Then I couldn’t stand it and flew to Brazil.
Nerish also warned me: if you have serious plans for Gabriella, you will face a big problem called “her mother.” Gabriela has four sisters, she is the fifth, youngest, and her mother loves her madly!
Gabriella: Yes, my mother was very worried when we first started dating. But she never forbade me anything, she only supported me and this time she said: “Daughter, if you love me, I agree.” Then she met Vitaly, saw that he was a serious person, from a good family, and calmed down.
Vitaly: That time I said I loved her. He asked: “Please come with me to Moscow.” She arrived. And three months later she ran away...
Gabriella: It was very difficult for me during these three months, there was real depression. I don’t speak Russian, I have no friends, no work - I didn’t sing at that time, I’m sitting at home, I can’t even watch TV, because I don’t understand anything. We only communicate with my mother on the phone, that’s all. Yes, we went out somewhere with Vitaly, but he sat down with friends and seemed to forget about me, talking only to them. It was very lonely.
Vitaly: I didn't think about it! And then she says: I need to fly to my mother for two weeks. She deceived me because then she already knew that she did not want to return. And she flew away. Two weeks pass, I call to find out when to get tickets, and she says: “I won’t be back.”
Gabriella: I told him everything I was going through, how bad I felt. He called for two months, we talked, but I still couldn’t say whether I’d come back... And then he arrived again.
Vitaly: I was in shock, I couldn’t believe that she had deceived me. All my life I’ve been used to controlling everything, but she just did it her way! But during the time when I demanded a return date from her, I rethought a lot, and how a man grew during this time. I heard what was bothering her, I had time to analyze my mistakes and come to her as a different person. On that visit, I realized that I wanted to propose. I just felt like I might lose her, and I was very afraid of it.
We sailed on a big boat - with Gabriella, her mother and my friends, who then flew with me to Brazil for company. The music was playing, I took the microphone and asked for her hand in front of everyone. Everyone clapped, it was very touching. And six months later, there, in Rio de Janeiro, we had a wedding. I told her then: “I give you my man’s word that we will take care of your career, you will sing.”
Gabriella: I didn’t think about a career, I just had to sing, I’ve been singing since I was seven, this is my life. I am lucky that Vitaly not only understands that this is important for me, but also helps. I tell him all the time: “Thank you for being such a good husband.” His parents raised him that way. And he is also a very good dad.
Vitaly: The daughter is six years old, the son is three years old. They speak three languages: we communicate with each other in Portuguese, with the children in Portuguese and Russian, and our nanny is Filipino and speaks excellent English, so English is almost native to the children.
When my daughter was born, I really didn’t want to be present at the birth, but I had to - the doctor needed a translator. Then I chose a position so as not to see anything, rested my head against the wall and, without looking, translated what I heard. This is how our little Gabriella was born. It was the same with my son, although my wife already spoke decent Russian, but with me she felt calmer.
It was funny when we registered our daughter at the registry office. They ask: “What surname will the girl have?” I say: “Chekulaeva, of course.” And suddenly the wife starts crying. What's happened? It turns out that according to their traditions, the surname should consist of the mother’s and father’s, and if I don’t want the mother’s, it means I don’t love my wife. So our children became Gabriella Vitalievna Gomez da Silva Chekulaeva and Mikael Vitalievich Gomez da Silva Chekulaev. I never thought that feelings could become stronger over the years. But that’s how it worked out for us. I love my wife more now than in the early years.
Gabriella: He and I are very similar, we are halves. Of course, we fight sometimes, I’m temperamental, and he’s temperamental, although he doesn’t admit it. They used to shout - both in Portuguese and Russian. Now we have become wiser and quieter, as soon as the wave begins, we try to relax. We believe in positive and negative energy. Whatever you feel is how it will work. If one of us is sad and gives up, the other one says: look to tomorrow, everything will be fine! Indeed, everything is going well.
Vitaly: When we were just planning how we would build her career as a singer, those same friends of mine said: “Vitalya, Vitalya... Well, where are you going, what kind of show business! There, millions need to be poured in constantly, and it is unknown whether there will be a result!” Now look what a wonderful result we have!
I fell in love with her when I saw her on stage and heard her sing. And her dream became my dream. I believed in her, and when you love and believe, everything works out.
In the midst of the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the site invited a native Brazilian singer, participant in the New Wave festival and the television show The Voice, winner of the titles “Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro” and “Best Voice of Brazil” to visit. Garbiella da Silva. In a conversation with our correspondent, she told how her hometown has changed over the past few years, and also gave her recommendations on where to go and what food to try in the Brazilian metropolis.
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In the midst of the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the site invited a native Brazilian singer, participant in the New Wave festival and the television show The Voice, winner of the titles “Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro” and “Best Voice of Brazil” to visit. Garbiella da Silva. In a conversation with our correspondent, she told how her hometown has changed over the past few years, and also gave her recommendations on where to go and what food to try in the Brazilian metropolis.
- Gariella, 10 years ago you moved from Brazil to Moscow. What connects you with Rio today?
Oh, Rio is my favorite city on earth. My parents, childhood friends, live here. This is a crazy metropolis with a huge number of people. It is gigantic and stretches along the coast for almost 300 kilometers. There are a lot of gorgeous beaches there. I recommend everyone to visit Rio at least once in their life. This is a magical place... You will never regret it!
- But you, nevertheless, decided to exchange this “magical place” for the Russian capital. Why?
It was a very difficult decision for me to move to Moscow after the wedding. There, in Brazil, I had a family, friends, a career. I became an honorary citizen of Rio, and my voice was recognized as one of the best in the country. In Russia we had to start all over again. My husband is a Muscovite, we met in the Old Havana restaurant. The final concert of my European tour took place there. It was impossible to maintain a long-distance relationship. I left and then returned to Moscow again. And only after the wedding we had in Rio, I was able to move completely. And you know, now I don’t regret anything.
Gabriella with her husband and daughter
The sea, or rather the ocean. In Rio, you can come to the coast at any time, swim or take a walk, think, breathe and relax. This is what I really miss. And, of course, the sun. For me, there is very little of it in Moscow, because Brazil has more than 300 sunny days a year. It's worst in winter. You know, I still remember my first winter in Russia. Almost immediately after I moved in, frost hit. Back then I couldn’t stand sub-zero temperatures at all and was constantly freezing. I didn’t know the language, I couldn’t even go to the store. No friends, no work. It was six months of severe trials for me. But with the arrival of spring, everything began to change. I learned Russian, met new people and started singing again. Now I consider Moscow my home. Here is my family, my children are sunshine, my beloved husband. Although I still miss Rio, and I fly there as soon as possible.
- When was the last time you were there?
For the May holidays. We went there with the whole family. The city has changed, it has become cleaner, there are no longer heaps of garbage lying on the streets as before. Many new roads have appeared, and now getting from one area to another has become much easier. My parents live in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood. I spent my entire childhood there. This is a new area with glass high-rises, shopping centers and offices and, most importantly, an excellent Barra beach, which is even larger than Capocabana. I must say that these places have not changed much. Barra da Tijuca has always been one of the most prosperous. And, thank God, everything remained that way.
Brazil. May 2016
Make a kind of rating for our readers, where should you go to feel the spirit of Rio? And where exactly should you not go?
The statue of Christ is the hallmark of Rio. It's like Red Square in Moscow. Must see No. 1. There are several ways to get to the statue: by train or by minibus. You will be dropped off at the foot of the mountain, and then you can go up either on foot or by escalator. Walk for about 10 minutes, no more. But along the way you will have stunning views of the mountains and the Atlantic. What else? Mount Pan di Azucar, or Sugarloaf. From there a dizzying panorama of the city opens. You can get to the top by cable car. The lower station is located on Avenue Pasteur. From the top it’s great to watch the sunset and watch dusk fall on Rio. The city lights up and becomes simply fabulous.
Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain
Another iconic place is the Selaron Staircase. It is best to explore it during the day; in the evening it is simply crowded. In addition, all these 215 steps, decorated with tiles, are interesting to look at. Each is different from the other. And of course, the very heart of the city is Copacabana Beach. It's good there at any time of the day, although it is more crowded during the day and evening. Many tourists, I know, tend to choose a hotel near the beach. But I recommend staying in the areas of Barra da Tijuca or Recreio. It's the safest there. And, of course, I do not advise anyone to visit favelas. Even out of pure curiosity. They don't like strangers there, especially those who come alone, unaccompanied. These are the most crime-ridden areas of Rio.
Selaron Staircase
- What dishes and drinks should you definitely try in Rio?
In Rio de Janeiro, be sure to visit meat restaurants - churrascarias. In Brazil, all types of meat are excellently prepared, but our chefs are best at beef. The most delicious steak is, of course, picanha. To prepare it, take the meat from the sacral part, rub it with salt and simply fry it over coals. It's soft, textured and delicious, especially with the chemichuri sauce.
As for drinks, you will definitely like the Caipirinha cocktail. It is made from Brazilian cachaça vodka with the addition of fruit. Caipirinha comes in lemon, raspberry, pineapple - in general, you should try them all, and then decide for yourself which one tastes better.
This is how they cook meat in Brazil
Having lived in two large cities, what myths could you dispel among Muscovites about Rio, and among Brazilians about Moscow?
These are safety myths. For some reason, it is believed that Russia and Brazil have a very high crime rate, so many foreigners are simply afraid to visit our countries. But in vain. Personally, I feel absolutely protected in Moscow and Rio. Of course, law enforcement agencies still have something to deal with, but the scale of the “disaster” in the imagination of tourists is greatly exaggerated.
- What could Brazilians and Russians learn from each other?
My compatriots are very open, they know how to enjoy life and be happy, regardless of circumstances, social status, or income level. The Russians, it seems to me, lack this. They are serious, but at the same time very hardworking and responsible. But these are qualities that Brazilians should adopt.
Garbiella on stage
- Did you manage to travel around Russia? Which city did you like the most?
Yes, I traveled a lot around Russia with concerts. Visited Yekaterinburg, Volgograd, Smolensk, Yaroslavl, Penza and many others. But I liked Sochi the most. This is an amazing city with modern infrastructure and stunning nature. And I was amazed by the opportunity to relax at the resort all year round - skiing in the mountains in winter, and sunbathing and swimming in summer.
- The holiday season is almost over. Where did you go on vacation?
This summer I have a lot of work: filming, recording, rehearsals. But I hope to take a week at the end of August and go to the Maldives. I need to gain strength, because in the fall I will release my first Russian-language album, “My Hero.” This is a big event for me. New presentations, concerts, tours are coming. And our daughter will go to first grade on September 1st. That's why we all need a little vacation. We will sunbathe, swim, recharge ourselves with energy for big things and grandiose events.
Prepared by Svetlana Tuchkova
The Brazilian singer Gabriella is a spectacular and vibrant artist; in addition, not so long ago she was awarded the title of “honorary citizen” of the city of Rio de Janeiro with entry into the city book of honor and has repeatedly confirmed her title “Best Voice of Rio de Janeiro”.
For Russia, Gabriella presented her talent at the international competition “New Wave”, where she became a finalist.
On December 30, 2010, Gabriella performed at the gala reception of the President of the Russian Federation at the State Kremlin Palace on the occasion of the New Year 2011. The duet of Gabriella with Sergei Mazaev “Samba of Past Love” was appreciated by the Government of the Russian Federation, and, of course, by the President himself.
After the performance, Gabriella was personally introduced to the President of the Russian Federation D. A. Medvedev. And for several years now, Gabriella has been a regular guest and participant in New Year’s receptions at the State
Kremlin Palace.
Gabriella's music has an undeniable temperament, its own heart and soul. Refined and at the same time understandable and close to everyone, Gabriella amazes with her creativity and personal energy, inspiring and delighting already 2 huge continents.
- Gabriella, tell us about yourself, how did the Brazilian singer stay to live and work in Russia?
I started my career in my hometown of Rio de Janeiro when I was 7 years old. At 12 she was already performing under the banner of the largest record company PolyGram. In Russia, I performed for the first time at the international competition “New Wave”, where I became a finalist and later continued my career in Russia.
On the one hand, this is very honorable and significant. On the other hand, this is a great responsibility, which does not give any room for error. I started singing on stage at the age of 7. I earned this title at the age of 23. My school was constant concerts. I have no professional education. My technique was formed during numerous performances. And, of course, I have hearing. But I know that my potential is much greater, so I will definitely continue to study. Although many people don’t believe that I never studied this professionally.
In my family, my aunt on my mother’s side was a professional singer. And my grandfather was a conductor. So I come from an artistic family.
- Your main goal is popularity, the love of the public, or just to sing? Who is your most grateful audience?
My dream is public recognition! And most importantly, perform in front of a large audience. It is very important for me to always sing. If I don't sing for a month, I get depressed. After all, this is the only thing I know how to do and my audience is my oxygen.
Both children and adults - all those who like my work.
- What difficulties did you have to cope with in Russia?
At first it was very difficult for me due to my lack of knowledge of the Russian language. But over the past couple of years I have become better at speaking Russian. And I can even quite safely participate in various television talk shows. Previously, this was unthinkable for me. Of course, the career of a singer is not the easiest profession. But I love my job and have been doing this since childhood. So any difficulties can be overcome.
- Gabriela, what attracts you to Russia?
I really like the culture and architecture of Russia. Very diverse and interesting people live here. I think Russian girls are the most beautiful!
- Now, looking back, do you regret staying in Russia?
I don't regret it at all. After all, I have a wonderful family and a job I love. What else is needed for happiness?)) Of course, at first it was very difficult for me in Russia, especially in winter. But, over time, I got used to it, I started working, made friends and felt at home! But I still miss my native Rio De Janeiro. Therefore, I try to fly to Brazil 1-2 times a year.
- Tell us how your personal life developed in Moscow? Tell us about your family?
I ended up here precisely because of my personal life. I could never imagine that I would live in Moscow. I met my future husband while touring Europe with a Brazilian show. And after 2 years of a difficult romance, when we flew to each other, crossing half the globe, I moved to Moscow.
Today we have two wonderful children. The eldest daughter is Gabriella (5 years old) and son Mikael (2 years old). My mother often flies to Moscow to visit us, and we try to fly to Brazil with the whole family so that the children know about their second homeland.
- Do you have a hobby?
Trips. When I have rare free time, I try to go somewhere new. It helps me to relax and gain strength.
- Who works on your style? What clothes do you prefer on stage and in everyday life?
Now I do my own style. Previously, I had a stylist Oleg Tarnopolsky, who taught me a lot. For this I am very grateful to him. I always choose a sexy and comfortable style. I can't wear low-soled shoes. Always high heels only. My stage costumes are very bright and extravagant and very different from everyday clothes.
- Tell us what is happening in your life now, including your creative life?
Now I'm working on a Russian-language album. In the next month I will present my first work in Russian. This is a very sensual and emotional song called "Stop Me". And a little later I will have a very interesting duet with a domestic performer. With whom exactly, I will leave it a secret for now.
Gabriella da Silva, a participant in the fourth season of the show “The Voice,” underwent plastic surgery - she enlarged her buttocks and also reduced her stomach using liposuction with surgeon Seymur Aliyev. After the birth of two children, the singer’s roundness lost its former shape. For this reason, the Brazilian decided to go under the surgeon’s knife.
“I always believed that good plastic surgery exists only in Brazil, but no,” Gabriella shared with StarHit. – Once I saw a friend’s perfect belly. I asked if she had liposuction. She confirmed and recommended Russian doctor Seymur Aliyev. I decided not only to make my belly bigger, but also to enlarge my butt.”
After the operation, the singer lay for two days, only on her stomach, she was very ill. “The first week was very difficult,” says the singer. – My butt was huge after the operation, then the swelling went away, and now it’s round and neat. And my stomach became like that of an athlete. Everything turned out very nice and neat. There are still bruises, but they are small. It was also difficult because after such a surgical intervention you cannot sit for two weeks. Just lie down. Throughout this time, weakness and discomfort were present. But I am very pleased with the result. Now I consider Russia a country of skilled craftsmen.”
Previously, Gabriella had already resorted to plastic surgery. The star does not hide the fact that she decided to intervene in order to change her breasts.
“It’s cool when it’s possible to correct deficiencies surgically,” the singer told StarHit. – In Brazil, breast enlargement is generally considered the norm, and no one hides it. Why not, if it adds charm to a woman and makes her more attractive.”
We also add that Gabriella always pays close attention to how she looks. To maintain her beauty, she regularly turns to cosmetologists, but chooses only those masters whom she can trust. She believes that every person is beautiful in their own way, and therefore their individuality should be emphasized.
Let us remind you that Gabriella, a participant in the fourth season of the show “The Voice,” was born in Rio de Janeiro, where she later became a famous singer. In 2008, the performer came to Moscow on tour, where she met her future husband, businessman Vitaly Chekulaev. Their romance developed so rapidly that in 2009 the lovers got married in Rio de Janeiro. And in 2010, the couple had a daughter. Currently, the TV star lives in Russia.
Gabriella Da Silva is a Brazilian singer. Real name Ana Lucia Gomes da Silva. Born on July 6, 1984 in Rio de Janeiro. The talented Brazilian singer now lives in Russia. A bright, cheerful girl with a magnificent voice, who once you see, you will immediately remember her. In just one year, the performer won the love of Russian listeners.
The annual international competition “New Wave” brought fame in Russia in Jurmala. It was there that the high appreciation of music critics, juries and audiences will become the beginning of fame in Russia. Having fallen in love with the country, the people, the friends and admirers she has acquired here, Gabriela tries to spend a lot of time in Russia. Touring and taking part in the rapprochement of two continents.
The singer accepted the unofficial post of “Cultural Ambassador of Brazil to Russia.” She organized an official dinner in honor of the abolition of the visa regime and received personal gratitude from the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Before fame in Russia, Brazilian Diva Gabriella was already popular in her homeland. The singer began her career when she was 7 years old. Gabriela was 12 years old when her first professional collaboration took place with the largest record label in the world - PolyGram. Incredible popularity, concerts that fill stadiums, all this brought the title “Best Voice of Rio de Janeiro”. The performer was also awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen” of her hometown of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo of Brazilian singer Gabriella Da Silva
