In this Kush Conversation, we sesh with Diego Campos, the charismatic frontman of Brazuca, a Utah-based band that fuses Brazilian rhythms with American rock, jazz, and reggae—like a perfectly balanced hybrid strain. Brazuca’s sound is a reflection of Diego’s own cultural journey, as he blends the influences of his Brazilian roots with his life in Utah, where he’s been weaving these diverse elements into every note for the past 16 years.
As a legal cannabis consumer and a passionate advocate for cannabis reform, Diego draws inspiration from his roots and his journey, blending creativity with the plant’s healing properties. His music is a celebration of freedom, authenticity, and the beauty of cultural fusion. From intimate jam sessions in his father’s backyard in Brazil to electrifying performances at Utah Beer Fest and Reggae Thursdays at Hog’s Wallow, Diego’s connection to both cannabis and music runs deep.
Whether you’re vibing to the sounds of samba or getting lost in the groove of reggae, Brazuca’s music invites you to be unapologetically yourself. So, roll one up and dive into this conversation with Diego Campos, where we explore the harmony of music, culture, and cannabis.
Getting Baked: Diego’s Go-To Green
Favorite Time to Blaze: Bedtime
Top Strain of Choice: Peanut Butter Breath
Ideal Consumption Spot: Beneath the Stars
Preferred Cannabis Form: Flower
Go-To Utah Dispensary: The Forest (Springville)
Soundtrack for a Session: Gilberto Gil
Brazuca’s sound is like the ultimate hybrid strain—a smooth blend of Brazilian rhythms, American rock and jazz, with a touch of reggae for that extra kick. What inspired you to fuse these diverse cultures and genres, and how do they shape your music?
It wasn’t something we consciously planned at first. I think it happened naturally because our band members come from such diverse backgrounds. We have Brazilians who’ve been playing for years in different bands, and Americans with strong roots in jazz programs, like at UVU. It’s just a reflection of who we are as a band. Brazil itself is a country of incredible diversity, musically speaking. Each state has its own unique styles, genres, and rhythms, so you could definitely say our music is a hybrid. The U.S. is similar in that way—a melting pot of different cultures. So, this fusion in our sound felt natural rather than forced. It’s just who we are.
If Brazuca’s music were a strain, what would it be called, and what effects would listeners experience from it?
I’d say Brazuca’s music would be like a versatile hybrid strain. We can be uplifting and energizing, like a classic sativa, bringing that vibrant, feel-good energy. But we also have a chill side, with smooth jazz, bossa nova, and slow samba vibes—like the deep relaxation of a true OG indica.
Can you tell us when you first moved to Utah from Brazil, and what brought you here?
I moved to Utah 16 years ago. I fell in love with a beautiful American woman back home in Brazil, followed her back here, and we ended up having three kids together. The rest, as they say, is history. I’m a lucky guy.
When did you get your Utah medical cannabis card?
Back in 2020 when things first got rolling. I felt a strong need to contribute to the fight for better cannabis laws here in Utah. If everyone who uses cannabis supported legalization, we’d have much better laws in our state. I also wish cannabis was legal in Brazil—we’re still far behind there. Medical licenses are just starting to become available, but they’re very difficult and expensive to obtain. So, I believe that by supporting legal programs here, even in small ways, we’re helping to open doors for broader change. Every contribution counts.
As a legal cannabis consumer in Utah, how does cannabis influence your creative process? Do you find that it enhances your connection to your music, or is it more of a way to unwind and escape from the demands of daily life?
I’m definitely more of a recreational user when it comes to cannabis. For productivity, it’s not always my go-to—I tend to overthink things, almost like an ADHD type of situation. But when it comes to creativity, especially with my music, cannabis is like magic. It opens up this whole other dimension that’s hard to access otherwise. It helps me tap into a deeper connection with the music, almost like it unlocks a creative portal. In those moments, everything flows more naturally, and I find myself exploring ideas I wouldn’t have reached without it.
Many artists find that cannabis helps unlock creativity. Can you share a moment when cannabis sparked a breakthrough in your music or inspired a particular song?
There was this one time when I was visiting friends in Brazil—this might be a bit risky to share, but I visit Brazil every year. On this particular trip, I allegedly brought a cartridge with me for my friends to try. They had never seen one before and were curious. That day, we were recording and jamming, working on some new tunes, and I said, “Hey, I’ve got something for you all to try.” I don’t know if you remember the first time you tried a cartridge, but for me and my friends, it was life-changing—like, where has this been all my life? (Laughing) That day, we wrote a new song called Chapa, which will be on our upcoming EP. We recorded it that afternoon in my dad’s art studio, which also doubles as a backyard. Chapa has a double meaning in Brazil—it can mean “getting high,” but it also means “brother” or “close friend.” It was a special moment, and I might even have some video footage from that day.
Your music is a reflection of your cultural roots. How do your Brazilian heritage and your experience in the U.S. influence your views on life and art?
When I first moved here from Brazil, I took a break from music and performing. I was focused on school and other things, and my mind was elsewhere. Honestly, I went through a phase where I felt that what I was doing with music didn’t align with a more “God-like” path—what a stupid way to think, right? But that’s where my head was at the time. When I started playing music again, I realized that singing only in Portuguese was a challenge for Utah audiences. It took me a while to understand that I was just playing in the wrong places. That’s when I thought, maybe I should try writing some songs in English. My writing wasn’t great at first, but it was part of the learning process.
Playing covers never really felt right to me. One day, it just clicked for me: the beauty of America is that it’s a place where people from all over the world come together. Even most Americans’ ancestors come from somewhere else. The best thing we can do is bring the richness of our own cultures to the table. That’s when I decided to fully embrace who I am and play music that reflects my heritage. I trusted my gut, and it worked out. Our band blends so many flavors and dynamics—from reggae to samba, bossa nova to jazz—and that mix is what makes us who we are.
Music and cannabis are both known for their healing properties. How do these two forces work together in your life, and what impact do they have on your overall well-being?
Cannabis re-entered my life at a really perfect moment. I was dealing with some health issues and didn’t fully understand what was going on. Funny enough, that was also around the same time I reconnected with music—really diving back in with the same intensity as I did in Brazil. Now, it’s almost impossible for me to separate music and cannabis. For the past four or five years, they’ve gone hand in hand. Both have a spirit of their own. Music can bring you peace, but it can also reveal your demons if you’re open to that. I think cannabis works in a similar way—it tends to give you whatever you’re channeling at the moment.
Alright, let’s get down to the real debate: Which is better, Brazilian herb, or the homegrown Utah green?
I’ve got to say, Utah green wins this one—no offense to my friends back in Brazil! Until Brazil speeds up the process of legalization, the quality there just can’t compare. Unfortunately, without regulation, there’s no quality control, and a lot of what you get is mixed with chemicals because of how far it has to travel to get to us in Brazil. It’s a tough situation when everything still operates in the black market. It’s also why I have appreciation for our legal industry.
What message do you hope Brazuca’s music delivers to your listeners? What do you want them to feel or understand after experiencing your sound?
For us, a great show is when people come in not knowing what to expect and leave with a smile, feeling like they could be free and fully themselves. I love seeing Brazilians, Americans, or anyone in the crowd dancing without any rules—just being who they truly are. That’s when we know we’ve accomplished our mission. After our last show at Utah Beer Fest, we got messages from people saying it felt like a spiritual experience, almost like church. I think that’s our calling.
I write a lot about positivity, and while it might sound a little cliché, I believe we need more of that in the world. Whether through words, music, or actions, I think the vibrations of good things continue to resonate. It’s like a chain reaction. When you’re surrounded by people having a good time, it’s hard to stay sad. I love the contagious effect that happy music can have on people.
If you could share a joint with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be, and what do you think you’d talk about?
There’s this singer-songwriter from Brazil named Gilberto Gil—he’s pretty well-known around the world. He’s actually the reason I first heard of Bob Marley. Gilberto is probably around the same age Bob Marley would be today. He wasn’t just into reggae; he also embraced bossa nova and moved through different genres, like many Brazilian musicians do. He even recorded a tribute album to Bob Marley, infusing the songs with Brazilian influences and translating a lot of the lyrics into Portuguese. Funny enough, many Brazilians didn’t know who Bob Marley was at the time; they just assumed songs like No Woman No Cry were Gilberto Gil’s.
So if I could share a joint with anyone, it would definitely be Gilberto Gil—and maybe even Bob Marley together. That would be incredible. I’d probably just sit there in awe, listening to whatever they talked about, and I’m sure they’d end up playing together. Hopefully, I’d have my guitar with me to join in.
