Favela Rising is a 2005 documentary film produced in a slum area in Brazil. The video focuses on drugs, corruption, police brutality, and killings. A specific focus is given to the problems that the drug peddlers face, such as jails or death at a young age. Drug lords liase with the criminal justice through drugs to keep their business, but the from the slums suffer their fate. Andersen and his colleagues decided to express their plight through street and concert music of the AfroReggae genre.
Jose Junior formed the AfroReggae organization in 1993 with an aim of reducing drug abuse, crime and diseases in Favelas through art. In the same year, a terrible massacre in Rio de Janeiro led to the killing of 21 innocent people (“AfroReggae” par 1). The massacre inspired AfroReggae organization to continue making a difference by providing youths with alternative life to crime. Currently, the music band offers concerts in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Colombia focusing on youth advocacy.
The music presented in the film is resistant and political as the band aim to expose police brutality, drugs, and killings. For instance, the songs’ themes borrow from the murder of 3937 children in a city in Brazil between 1987 and 2001 (Anne 00:02:57-00:03:00). They raise pertinent issues such as poor governance while resisting marginalization (Favela Rising par.1). Andersen states that his struggles in life led him to write “To Bolado,” which means I am overwhelmed (Anne 00:21:58-00:22:03). Part of the lyrics states that he is from Vigario and loves the area but is pissed off. Therefore, the song is a rebellion against the government for its failure to support people in his community.
I think the artist intended to communicate the plight of people in the slum with the hope of bringing positive change, such as advocating for the youths to stop a lifestyle of drugs. The reception from the audience was good, as evident in the statement that the band was able to reach everyone, borrowed enough instruments, and received a new volunteer (Anne 00:22:35-00:22:45). The music gave them fame as people are seen celebrating their presence in school concerts.
The music carries multiple meanings, denoted from lyrics, performance style, genre, and instruments. For instance, they start music with videos that show different instances of police brutality in Rio. (Anne 00:32:51-00:32:55). The performance style is energetic as people use strength jumping and raising hands in concert halls. In addition, the music is also performed in open streets where people dance vigorously in traditional attire. The music genre is AfroReggae using instruments such as drums and guitar. The implication is that it seeks to represent Brazilians of Afro descent.
The setting of the movement is in Brazilian slums whose primary residents are blacks. The majority of the artists are young, energetic people who have undergone struggles in life and are on the verge of giving up. However, the condition for joining the band is that a person does not drink, sell, or use drugs (Anne 00:28:37-00:28:43). The music has successfully stopped young people from using drugs since about 50% of those who enroll had intentions to start using drugs. The culture gives an impression of young people from the ghetto determined to change by avoiding the use of drugs and campaigning against police brutality.
Identity and solidarity are at the core of the AfroReggae organization. The members share life experiences such as living in slums, being black, facing police brutality, and other struggles. I believe that the pain that the youth experience in the face of police brutality, corruption, and drug lords give them solidarity. They understand that they cannot get support from the government, so they depend on well-wishers, media, and volunteers who believe in their mission to help spread their message. For instance, at one time, the drug lords from Lucas accused Andersen of raping a girl and holding some 200 people hostage (Anne 00:55:58-1:01:49). Andersen was a wanted man as his enemies wanted to lynch him but he stood firm and stated his innocence. By standing up to the dealers and the police, the people of Vigario have witnessed much change, such as reduced incidences of homicide and more job opportunities.
In summary, AfroReggae songs bring change by putting an end to violence, drug abuse, and killings. They are a part of the playing for change movement where youths are inspired to turn away from a lifestyle of crime and remain clean doing dignified jobs to enhance their livelihood. The requirement for joining the group is that the members do not use drugs and alcohol. They primarily sing the AfroReggae genre in concerts and streets, using drums and guitar as the main instruments. Despite a few challenges, the band continues to make a significant impact in Favela and beyond.
Works Cited
Anne, Ravi. “Favela Rising.” Vimeo, Web.
“AfroReggae.” Playing For Change, 2022, Web.
Favela Rising. “Favela Rising. Their Music Fueled a Movement. His Message Fought a War.” Web.