Gil's musical career has been limited by his political role
LONDON, England (BBC News), July 31, 2008:
The Brazilian musician and Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil, says he is standing down from the government to concentrate on his music career.
Mr Gil, 66, has been in government since 2003, but said for some time that he was finding it difficult to pursue two demanding roles.
He said public speaking was affecting his singing ability.
As culture minister, he championed sometimes neglected forms of cultural expression such as indigenous painting.
He said that the culture ministry's executive secretary, Juca Ferreira, would take over from him.
Music is first choice for Gilberto Gil
Mr Gil said he had tried to resign twice since late 2007, but President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had refused to accept his resignation. This time, the president agreed with Mr Gil's request, saying the singer and composer was "going back to being a great artist, going back to giving priority to what is most important" to him. His music-making had been limited by the demands of government, and he had to seek the president's permission to tour abroad.
© BBC MMVIII
Gil's musical career has been limited by his political role
LONDON, England (BBC News), July 31, 2008:
The Brazilian musician and Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil, says he is standing down from the government to concentrate on his music career.
Mr Gil, 66, has been in government since 2003, but said for some time that he was finding it difficult to pursue two demanding roles.
He said public speaking was affecting his singing ability.
As culture minister, he championed sometimes neglected forms of cultural expression such as indigenous painting.
He said that the culture ministry's executive secretary, Juca Ferreira, would take over from him.
Music is first choice for Gilberto Gil
Mr Gil said he had tried to resign twice since late 2007, but President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had refused to accept his resignation. This time, the president agreed with Mr Gil's request, saying the singer and composer was "going back to being a great artist, going back to giving priority to what is most important" to him. His music-making had been limited by the demands of government, and he had to seek the president's permission to tour abroad.
© BBC MMVIII
