UR’s radio station kicked off this alum’s world music career

When Gene De Souza, ’97, was a student DJ for UR’s WDCE, Dave Matthews Band was a regular at the Flood Zone, and grunge and alternative rock were in heavy rotation on most college radio stations. But the Brazilian native chose a different format for his radio show.

De Souza — an international studies major — had a circle of friends comprised mostly of international students, and they often bonded over their shared love of music. They influenced him to create the International Hour.

“I would interview them and say, ‘Hey, bring your CDs,’” says De Souza. “I would play stuff from around the world and Brazil. Eventually, I brought in some of the international faculty.”

De Souza says the International Hour quickly gained popularity both on and off campus.

After graduation, De Souza worked in the travel insurance industry and moved to Miami. He was on his way to work when he heard a call for volunteer DJs from WDNA, a public jazz station in South Florida. De Souza responded, reigniting his past, and began a 25-year run as the producer and host of Café Brasil, the only Florida program dedicated entirely to Brazilian music.

When the travel industry took a big hit after Sept. 11, 2001, De Souza chose to focus on music full time. He spent 16 years as the development director for Rhythm Foundation, a nonprofit cultural organization and presenter of world music. He also worked as a music columnist and volunteered on boards and committees, including the Latin Grammy awards.

Over the summer, De Souza’s life came full circle when he was named the general manager of WDNA.

“When I was at Richmond, I was discovering a whole new world,” he says. “Being by myself in a new environment, I had to make connections; I had to make friends. The radio station gave me a platform to do that. I continued to do that throughout all these years.”