On a still sunny autumn afternoon, we went to meet writer and broadcaster César Azeitona, a much-loved and popular figure in the Alentejo region, because as well as spreading his good humour through the microphones of Rádio Portalegre, he still has time to be a writer and is already on the fourth volume of his collection "Gentes das Gentes - Histórias de vida". Find out more about the author's biography in our interview.
DFCésar Azeitona needs no introduction to many people. For those of us who don't know you, what can you tell us about yourself and your origins?
CA: First of all, Susana Matos, thank you for your attention in wanting to know more about this little chap. Well, César Azeitona is from Portalegre! My origins are from this Serrano Alentejo, in researching my family tree, at least until 1700, all my ancestors were from the municipality of Portalegre. We are humble people, we try, within our simplicity, to have good practices in our relationships with other people - to respect and be respected for our values!
DFMost people know you as a broadcaster on Rádio Portalegre. Has this always been your dream?
CAFunnily enough, yes, that's what I've always wanted. I remember back in the 70s, when my grandmother Clara (who was ahead of her time) used to record me and I found it fascinating. It was music to my ears, and at the end of the 80s, when neighbourhood radio stations began to appear, that "click" called to me and it was always what I wanted. I grew up learning through improvisation and understanding what this tool of COMMUNICATION is.
DFHow many years have you been a broadcaster?
CAI get lost in time when I'm asked that question. I know I used to do radio (with a mini transmitter) with my friends when I was a teenager, but I must have started when I was about 16, collaborating on a programme here on the radio station where I work today, Rádio Portalegre. With stops and stops, I've been working in radio for over 25 years.
DFHave you worked in other media?
CAYes, I've worked in advertising and marketing, which is one of my passions. You know, Suzana Matos, creativity is one of the ways to attract attention and achieve your goals!
DFHow and when did the opportunity arise, during your career in radio, to launch the first volume of a collection dedicated to People and Traditions?
CA: This Gentes da Gente "life stories" project was born one day when I was at the table. There was a space that wasn't being honoured and the opportunity arose to value our greatest wealth, and so Gentes da Gente was born. This programme aired on 2 June 2012 with Canastreiro Manuel Frutuoso. The idea of books didn't make much sense in my head at first, but my wife encouraged me and she was right! Having the stories in book form would be a way of keeping these marvellous people alive so that generations can understand what life was like in the Alto Alentejo in the 20th and 21st centuries.
DF: What is your main goal when you write these stories about the People of the People?
CA: The main aim of these stories is to magnify the people of the Portalegre District. These people are our greatest asset and those who are interviewed achieve one of the highlights of their lives, which is to be featured in a book. Not everyone will have the opportunity to be in a book and Gentes da Gente fulfils DREAMS.
DF: You recently released the fourth volume and it was a huge success. Do you feel that the responsibility for releasing this type of story is increasing?
CAYes, the responsibility is growing, but we mustn't forget that Rádio Portalegre is a large and important media organisation that helps us achieve our goals. This responsibility is being carried out with more and more maturity.
DFWhen is a fifth volume on the agenda?
CA: It can't be long now, not least because the next books are going to be bigger, they're going to add more stories.
DF: We know that you are a very good-natured person, something you inherited from your family. What message would you like to leave our Franciscan Pantry readers?
CAI jokingly say that "I was made to laugh...". My message to everyone is to never lose your humility and to be HUMANE AND RESPECT OTHER LIVING BEINGS AND OUR COMMON HOME!
If you'd like to buy the 4th volume of César Azeitona, you can do so via our website. Franciscan Pantry online shop.
