Yuri Gaspar was one of my favorite findings last November in Rio. Meeting him is other reason to celebrate 2020. Welcome to anther edition of 2020 PINGA’S JOYS.
From the Favela to you
I have always avoided to get even close to the favelas in Rio. There is a narrative of poverty and violence that always frames any stories coming from these places. However, I learned that reality is actually more complicated, guided by Yuri Gaspar. He has proclaimed himself Favela King, and it looks like a legitimate claim to me.
Yuri resides in Vidigal, a legendary favela in Rio de Janeiro. The area used to be known as one of the most violent favelas in the city, ruled by powerful drug lords. However, after being successfully pacified by the police in 2011, it became an example of local gentrification. Probably, it helped that it is strategically located between two of the richest Carioca neighborhoods: Leblon and São Conrado.
Nowadays, it is a trendy spot with a very active culture and night life. It has kept the traditional favela architecture, climbing the hills of Morro Dois Irmåos. Nevertheless, it is far away from being the expected shanty town. Not only the whole neighborhood is full of street life and popular bars and restaurants, but has also turned into a touristic destination for the visitors trying to have the favela experience. Yuri Gaspar is in a privileged position if you are looking for a guide.
Besides being an extremely sexy companion, Yuri is more than just another resident in Favela de Vidigal. This sexy young man is involved in many of the parties taking place in the busting favela’s night life. Be alert, you may run into him anywhere.
Yuri Gaspar, a multi-faceted artist
As many members of the younger generations, Yuri Gaspar is multi-tasking. Besides, he is also multi-faceted. Meeting him has opened a huge array of possibilities and promises. After all, my trip last November was only my third time In Rio de Janeiro. I am thrilled at the perspective of meeting other young men who combined artistic talent and Brazilian sensuality with Millenial open mindless, carpe diem, and cosmopolitism.
To start, he speaks a very sensual and fluent English. Surprisingly, his is not the typical Brazilian accent. The Favela King shared that he learned how to speak Shakespeare’s language in Europe. As a consequence, he sounds French rather than Brazilian. Every time I am talking to him I forget he is actually Carioca. Helped by his looks, my imagination is instead taken to the South of France. Many years ago, when I was visiting the area, I mingled with young Algerians and Moroccans. Yuri Gaspar could be one of them, only hotter.
To continue, he is indeed the Favela King. When we are visiting an alien city, there is nothing like resourceful local contacts. No one is more resourceful than Yuri Gaspar. Whatever (or whoever) you need, he would make available to you. He even has rolling paper with his own brand.
To close, he has an obvious talent for multimedia arts. He can model, sing, dance, compose music, produce events, direct video, and make video and photography. And obviously, there would not be a Favela King without leadership skills. He probably has more talents I have yet not learned about, but those are quite impressive by themselves. Let give you a very brief introduction to them.
The Favela King in Europe
Yuri Gaspar and Music
Juri Gaspar traveled to Europe a few years ago. Out of that experience, he has so far produce two video blogs. Here, you can see the first one. In just two years, it is shocking how much a young man can mature at his age. In these videos, he still has childish features. Nowadays, there is nothing childish in his looks.
Besides being an adventurous traveler, and entertaining v-blogger, Yuri is a talented music and video performer and artist. Perhaps what I like the most is the unique touch in his work. I feel Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, and the Favela new culture when I watch this video.
But what I feel the most is a young and talented artist looking for his voice. Yuri Gaspar is exploring and experimenting. Even when what he offers now is appealing and interesting, it is the promise of his potential what lures me toward him the most.
Yuri Gaspar and David
Indeed, there are many similarities. If you read their stories, they could be about same boy. However, how many Brazilians have traveled to Europe? How many speak English with French accent? Of course, there are many of them.
You could still insist. You could say that it is not only their stories but also their physical appearances. However, how many Brazilians have that look? How many of them have a tattoo highlighting their pecs? You know the answer. Of course, there are many of them.
Do not be confused.
David is an explosion of sensuality. He will lure you into needing to make love to him. This garoto de programa will trap you in the saunas and you will have no escape. After his whispering in your ears with his sexy accent, after feeling the soft toughness of his body, you will be his. David is a sinful beauty shining in the dark.
Yuri is also an explosion of sensuality. He will lure you into getting to know him. Once this talented artist locks his interest on you, you will have no escape. After enjoying his conversation, after performing his many talents around you, you will be his. Yuri Gaspar is an outstanding entertainer shining in the light.
Two remarkably different personas, and yet they share so many similarities. Needless to say, if we could melt these two personalities in one we would be blessed by Joy.
We will have more 2020 PINGA’S JOYS, stay tuned.
Hasta la próxima pinga, amig@s!
