RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — This sort of battle was excellent news for the impoverished, typically violent Cidade de Deus favela in Rio de Janeiro: a rap duel in a neighborhood bar held for the primary time because the pandemic hit early final 12 months.
Ten native rappers took turns on the microphones as an viewers of a number of dozen cheered and waved their arms to the beat Wednesday night time.
It was an indication of a gradual return to normality after nearly two years of restrictions meant to gradual the unfold of COVID-19, an opportunity to lastly rejoice a bit within the “Metropolis of God,” a favela made well-known by a film of the identical title.
“Many had been at house, depressed, they usually got here right here to let it out,” stated Fabio de Oliveira, who owns the open-air bar the place the competition was held. He stated individuals inform him it “saved my life as a result of I used to be depressed. Now I come right here, I chat, I’ve associates, I’ve a household.”
It is a very native affair. Winners normally get a voucher for a free pizza from the little restaurant subsequent door.
Rap music has an uneasy affiliation with gangsterism in Brazil, with some accusing the rappers of glorifying criminals and criminality, however the Metropolis of God rappers stated they simply need sing about their each day struggles and hope for a greater future.
Twenty-three-year-old rapper Lucas dos Santos argued the music is a manner to attract individuals away from criminality.
“Extra younger individuals related to artwork, extra younger individuals related to tradition, much less younger individuals concerned in crime”, stated dos Santos, often known as Roque CDD — the initials of Cidade de Deus.
