Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Andre Queiroz always appreciated music and dancing.
He was first introduced to music at a young age in church choirs. After a short stint of playing the piano, he returned to singing, which caught the attention of an American missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“He was [like], ‘Oh man, you have some good singing, you should try beatboxing.’ And I was like, ‘I don't know what is that,’” Queiroz said.
Beatboxing, a form of vocal percussion originated in New York’s hip-hop scene, is largely popular in the United States. But in Brazil, it was uncommon. Queiroz turned to the internet to learn the skill.
“Most tutorials in English and all this stuff, which is not my first language. And I had to learn something brand new when in my second language,” he said. “So that was a little tricky and took me eight months to learn only one first sound.”
Now a student at BYU-Idaho, Queiroz performs regularly at open mic nights, creating beats that are both unique and unexpected. He also practices with the university’s a cappella group and posts new routines on his personal Instagram page.
He hopes to someday compete in an online beatbox battle or perform at a local event. For now, he continues to practice.
“Everything is about practice, right? So, I practice day by day,” he said. “You just have to believe in yourself.”
Music, for Queiroz, has become a way to express himself and connect with others.
“I want show who I am. I want to show the light. The light of Christ,” Queiroz said. “I want to just show people that I want the music to be more in our heart. Not only as a hobby, like just randomly listening, but people can be moved by music. I was moved by music when I was growing up.”
To learn more about Queiroz’s story and hear a freestyle beat, listen to the full interview at BYU-Idaho Radio’s podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.