​Vigil held in London for former Mixmag editor Dom Phillips

A vigil is being held in London for former Mixmag editor Dom Phillips and Brazilian Indigenous expert Bruno Araújo Pereira calling for the safe return of both men who are currently missing in Brazil.

The vigil started today, June 9, at 8:AM outside the Brazilian embassy in St. James Square in central London. Those taking part in the demonstration have been asked to wear red.

On Monday, June 6, news broke of Phillips and Pereira's disappearance, both of whom have been the recipients of recent “threats” for their critical work protecting Indigenous communities from people who want to illegally exploit Indigenous land.

The former Mixmag editor, world-renowned journalist and author of Superstar DJs Here We Go! was last seen over the weekend while out on a reporting mission alongside Pereira in the Brazilian Amazon. In recent years, Phillips’ journalistic focus has been set on the South American country.

A demonstration calling for the safe return of both men was set up by a friend of Phillips, Frank Tope, who took to Facebook last night asking “to demand the authorities step up their so-far lacklustre response to try and find them”.

“As the editor of Mixmag throughout the peak 90s clubbing era, Dom Philips was a pivotal figure in UK dance music, and a friend and mentor to me and all the other young journalists, photographers and designers, not to mention DJs, producers, promoters and so on that he gave a chance to and helped along our various music and media journeys,” said Tope.

“I know it’s always tough to find the time but feels like turning up is the least any of us can do right now other than sit feeling helpless and hitting refresh on news websites.”

Since reports of their disappearance, Brazil has stepped up its search to find Phillips and Pereira. The lead investigator working on the case has confirmed that they are now “pursuing all lines of inquiry”.

Brazilian football legend Pelé has joined calls urging authorities to increase the resources made available for the search.

Pelé wrote on Twitter: “The fight for the preservation of the Amazon forest and of the Indigenous groups belongs to all of us. I am moved by the disappearance of Dom Phillips and Bruno Ferreira, who dedicate their lives to this cause. I join the many voices that make the appeal to intensify the search.”

Phillips’ family joined the demonstration today wearing red, holding signs reading: “Find Dom and Bruno”. On Wednesday, June 8, Phillips’ wife posted a tearful video begging for the return of her husband and to intensify the search.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter