A burqa and a pink-polka-dot Gibson Flying V electric guitar is not a common combination. Stereotyping, however, is exactly what Muslim woman and professional heavy metal musician, Gisele Marie, wishes to challenge.
Based in Sao Paulo, Marie, 42, is the granddaughter of German Catholics, and converted to Islam several months after her father died in 2009. Music is also a family affair for Marie. The musician grew up in a house of instruments, trained in classical piano, and has fronted the heavy metal band “Spectrus” since 2012.
Marie says that wearing the burqa is a constant reminder of Allah and has made her more reflective in her everyday life. She also recognises that when she gets on stage, the garment has spurred a mixed reaction.
Some are shocked, others curious
“People do not expect to see a Muslim woman who uses a burqa, practices the religion properly and is a professional guitarist who plays in a heavy metal band, so many people are shocked by it,” said Marie. “But other people arecurious and find it interesting.”
Before converting to Islam, Marie practiced Wicca, a modern pagan witchcraft religion. She says that what she searches for in a religion is passion for life and the ability to be yourself. She recognises that some Muslims have frowned upon what she does, but says that others are regulars at her shows, and she sees no problem mixing her music with her religion. “There are many people who play all sorts of musical styles and who are from all sorts of religions and non-religions,” said Marie.
“This is my work, this is my profession, and at the same time I am Muslim. I don’t think one has anything to do with the other,” said Marie.
Music and the band- Spectrus
Spectrus is certainly a mirror of Marie’s words, representing a spectrum of faiths among its members, from Afro-Brazilian Umbanda, to spiritualism, Catholicism and Islam.
According to Marie, the band is an example of religious tolerance, and their music focuses on upbeat ideas. “The themes in my music are always constructive and positive,” Marie said. “They may raise some criticisms about the way we live nowadays, but my intention is to always be constructive, give a positive message or an idea.” Even so, mixed reactions can continue off-stage too, according to Marie, who says she has had her burqa yanked by a passer-by in the street, leading her to phone the police.
On the other hand, she says she can rarely leave the house without someone stopping to speak to her or take a photo with her in a peaceful manner.
