Voice of London

Since 2019, he has been regularly sitting on Camden lock bridge and has become something of an icon of Camden Market. The Brazilian, who goes by the nickname Zombie Punk, is one of the sweetest people you can meet, despite prejudice. 

Why did you move to London?

“Because I have a problem with the government in Brazil. Because I support gay people, trans people, black people, minorities. And the government in Brazil hates these people.  They do nothing to help the country. They just care about money and they spread hatred. And now, in Brazil people hate homosexuals, beat women, don’t respect minorities. And they think it’s normal. “

At first glance it is obvious that you belong to the punk sub-culture. When and how did you become part of it?

“Hmmm, when I was 15? 16? I started listening to Rock&Roll. Nirvana, for example. And I was hanging out with some Punks from my town in Brazil. I started socialising with these people, we were learning about the community and now I’m here. “

How would you define this sub-culture? What does it mean to you? 

“We don’t have a problem with things that maybe a lot of people have problems with. People have a problem with us, too. We are very often misunderstood. In Brazil, society has a problem with both gangsters and skinheads as well. People just don’t understand the culture. People blame you for everything. Even here. There are racist people, and people talking shit about you. It’s not easy anywhere.”

Punk has no unified ideological direction, however, common viewpoints include individual liberty, anti-authoritarianism, anti-governmental sentiments. Do you identify with all these attitudes? 

“Yeah, like when you’re in the community, you usually share most of them. In Brazil, I was with the anarcho-punks in squads, playing loud music, going to other places. Showing people what the Punk community looks like. We were helping a lot: taking dogs off streets, cats as well. We helped a lot of animals. So, we mostly shared all the ideologies. There is a lot of freedom. It’s a personal choice. Some punks only stay with the community for a year, some even come just to meet girls. And I don’t call these guys Punks. They’re losers. Some just come to meet us and find out what our opinions and thoughts are. When I stayed with the anarcho-punks in Brazil we mostly shared the same opinions. But anyway, you have to be very strong to be part of the community. “

Do you face prejudice based on your appearance? How do people react to you outside of Camden?

“A lot of people judge Punk. Because they don’t know us. Some people think we’re very dangerous. But we’re not dangerous. Punks are just a community that’s trying to help.  These days a lot of people get attention. Some person just created this stereotype and made Punks look very bad but the real, real Punks just want to make the world a bit better.”

It’s possible you have come across the claim that Punk is a provocation. Do you dress like this everywhere you go? Do you see it as a provocation? 

“Yes! This is what I look like every day. This is my life. Even the hair! Some people tell me stuff like ‘Man you don’t need to look like this every day’ or ‘Ahh cut your hair’. And I’m always like: man, freedom. I like this and It’s my life. It’s not easy to be a Punk. It’s hardcore. But Punks are normal people!”

Camden is historically associated with the Punk Subculture. The Clash and the legendary Sex Pistols both performed here back in the day. What is your perception of Camden today? Is it a predominantly touristy place or is it still a place associated the Punk?

“I’ll be very honest with you. I live here in Camden. The other punks don’t live here they just come here on Saturday and Sunday. It still is a place where the punks meet, however, I don’t like how other the Punks come here just for 3 hours. I’m here every day. This is my life. I’m not coming here just to take one picture and post it on Instagram. Because that’s what the others are doing. Coming here with their shoes on, clothes, like ‘hiii I am punk look at me everyone ha ha ha ha’. But I’m like: no this is not what Punk is about. Punk is about real life. “

Zombie Punk, by his own name Anderson Garcia Rodrigues, is one of many people with an interesting story. And those are the ones that need to be told. So let’s not be afraid. Let’s not have prejudices.

Words: Zofia Sookyova| Interviewee: Anderson Garcia Rodrigues| Subbing: I. B. Beres