Anitta, despite being one of the world’s most listened-to music stars, stays true to her roots. The Brazilian artist is determined to honor her origins and always seeks opportunities to pay homage to them through her songs.
In 2022, Anitta released her album Versions Of Me, in which she explored various sounds of Brazil, infusing them with pop and reggaeton. Now, one year later, the singer still tries to bring the reality of her country closer to the rest of the world.
In early August, Anitta revealed the title of her upcoming music project: ‘A Favela Love Story.’ She took to her social media platforms to unveil the cover art, showing the project’s title adorned with stickers like a teddy bear, a rainbow, and a heart.
The words ‘Funk Generation’ were also prominently featured, alluding to her earlier single ‘Funk Rave,’ which was released in June.
A few days later, Anitta released her 3-song EP titled A Favela Love Story. This compilation features three distinct songs –each carrying the same essence– «Funk Rave,» «Casi Casi,» and «Used to Be.» The Brazilian star explored funk, reggaeton, pop, and her country’s sounds to create a seamless trilogy intended to narrate a love story.
In thisproject, I dive into funk carioca. Therhythmthatraisedme andispartofthe culture where I wasborn. In the videos, there’s a lotofwhatI’veexperienced in the favelas. Apartfrominternationalproducers, I insistedonbringingBraziliansintothisamazingteam. Theircontributionwasessential. The videos workindividually, butthey’realso a trilogy! You’llhavetowatchallthreetounderstandtheoutcome! It’sbeautiful, fun, colorful, and entertaining.”
It’s important to understand the definition of favelas, which are iconic in Brazil, as Anitta immerses us in their reality through both the music video and the song’s lyrics.
Favelas are modest neighborhoods constructed with improvised materials, offering minimal living conditions, and located on the outskirts of Brazil’s cities. These areas are home to millions of families, including cities like Rio de Janeiro.
A Favela Love Story Pt. 1: «Funk Rave»
The first part of this story is «Funk Rave,» which was released before Anitta announced, A Favela Love Story.
The artist opted for Brazilian funk, modernizing a classic style for the new generation.
In this initial segment, Anitta sets the context for us: Rio de Janeiro, the year 2000. This is evident in the aesthetics and the idols of the era –Ronaldo Nazário da Lima– as well as their trendy hairstyles. Additionally, she introduces the main characters: herself and a boy who plays soccer, Brazil’s beloved sport.
Furthermore, she portrays the reality of millions of Brazilians: the Favelas. As we know, Anitta is deeply connected to her roots, and this video clearly demonstrates it.
The artist opted for Brazilian funk, modernizing a classic style for the new generation.
All the music I’ve been making over the past year is music I’m very proud of. It’s both incredibly Brazilian and intentionally international: I made sure it sounds like me in every fiber of the music. Brazilian funk is my roots. It’s what I was born and raised doing. It’s my home. I created this new music with the intention of showcasing those roots to the world, what’s most important to me, and starting with ‘Funk Rave’ does exactly that.”
«Funk Rave» was premiered during the opening ceremony of the UEFA Champions League final held in Istanbul, Turkey. Her performance ignited a frenzy among fans, who eagerly anticipated the official release of the track.
A Favela Love Story Pt. 2: «Casi Casi»
In the climax of this story, Anitta presents the motel where she works. It’s a place where people of all ages, different sexual orientations, and diverse genders come together to experience passionate encounters of their preference (always with protection).
Here, the Brazilian artist lets herself be influenced by other rhythms and dances, such as twerk. This can be seen as a metaphor for the versatility she has developed in the past decade, during which she has sung in Spanish, English, and explored genres like reggaeton, afrobeat, electronic, and Latin pop.
These are a series of elements that, throughout these years, have helped her build a solid foundation to introduce her true essence and her culture into the dominant Anglo and Western world.
A Favela Love Story Pt. 3: «Used To Be»
This song represents the final part of the story, which begins with the marriage proposal from the protagonist’s lover.
However, before the long-awaited ‘I do,’ a series of events occur that could take place in areas close to the Favelas, known for being dangerous. But, just as in any story, there must be a dose of drama.
And just like life itself, one must overcome obstacles to savor its rewards. Our protagonist manages to escape and fulfill her purpose: marrying his lover and, of course, the sound of Brazil that she loves so dearly.
Through this musical project,Anitta once againdemonstratesherexceptionaltalent and loveforherroots. We hope hersuccesswillpersist, continuingtodelightuswithher music.
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