Jerusa Leão is a Brazilian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Bahia, Jerusa Leão grew up around the semi-arid cities of this province, beginning her artistic career in 1995. Over the course of a decade she cultivated several impressive musical projects that span different continents. These musical projects showcase Brazilian music and culture. One such project is the half-Canadian, half-Brazilian band Maria and The Band. Jerusa holds the position of the artistic director, singer and instrumentalist of Maria and The Band. Jerusa also works as a DJ producer under the names of Djerus and Jerus Nazdaq. Her world ethnic music style and collection of electronic music has been enjoyed in cultural events and festivals throughout Brazil, Canada and France. In France Jerusa contributed to another great Brazilian musical project called Trio Alavantu, collaborating with the forró community in France, earning credit for her artistic contribution and collaboration. Jerusa collaborates in cultural exchange projects sponsored by the Brazilian government through the Secretary of Culture of Bahia with the Both Sides of the River project and Saravah!, a tour to the world of Samba de Roda from Bahia. These projects benefited the exchange of culture between Unites States and Brazil giving the local youth communities in Mississippi, USA the opportunity to explore cultural exchange through workshops and live performances. Currently living in Toronto, Jerusa Leão keeps her contribution to the local arts and her commitment to the cultural survival and professional success of artists in Canada.