Watch: Brazilian nuns beatbox live on Catholic TV

Telegraph

30-05-2025

A pair of Brazilian nuns have gone viral on social media after appearing on a Catholic television channel dancing and beatboxing – a vocal percussion technique in which performers create rhythms and sounds with their mouths.
In an impromptu performance worthy of professional rappers, Sisters Marizele Cassiano and Marisa de Paula got up from their seats and launched into a routine that featured beatbox, singing and nifty dance moves.
The nuns, members of a congregation called Copiosa Redencao, were discussing a vocational retreat on Brazil 's Eternal Father television channel when they launched into a song about being called to the religious life.
Inspired by the example, the show's presenter, Deacon Giovani Bastos, promptly joined in, showing that he too was a dab hand on the dance floor. The performance has been watched by millions of people on social media in Brazil and abroad.
'She will dance'
'That moment was very spontaneous, because with Sister Marisa, if you start a beat, she will dance. And I'm used to singing, to beatboxing, so for us it was very simple, spontaneous and at the same time very surprising to see that it went viral even outside Brazil,' said Sister Marizele.
The nuns work with young drug addicts and say music has been a powerful tool to help those in need. They also organise retreats for women interested in pursuing a religious career.
'Beatboxing, dancing, and the songs itself are tools that God uses to reach the hearts of the people we work with. And it works! It's beautiful to see,' said Sister Marizele.
The Brazilian nuns are not the only sisters to have demonstrated a talent for singing. In Italy, a young nun called Cristina Scuccia shot to fame in 2014 when she won the television talent show The Voice of Italy, belting out the Alicia Keys hit No One.
Internet phenomenon
The power of her voice stunned the celebrity judges on the show, who asked her if she was really a nun – to which she replied that she was.
Appearing on stage in a plain habit and clunky black shoes, with a crucifix round her neck, she became an internet phenomenon. Her performance was watched millions of times on YouTube and other platforms.
She went on to perform duets with stars including Kylie Minogue and Ricky Martin, and presented Pope Francis with a copy of her debut album, which included a cover of Madonna's Like a Virgin – a song that scandalised the Catholic Church when it was first released.
Sister Cristina became a household name in Italy but eventually tired of the strictures of convent life and announced in 2022 that she was renouncing her religious vows.