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Get down to the Funk

Funk Carioca is breaking out of Brazil, and is now beginning to stir things up in Europe. London already has a show lined up with Tati Quebra Barraco and MC Cidinho and Doca. Check out the interview below with the ‘Rap das Armas’ (Gun Rap) duo.

The style started in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, but left the suburbs years ago. In the 90s, funk broke through with a wave of MC’s and then in no time at all it was Europe’s turn. But the party goers in England should get ready to “descer até o chão” (get down low on the dance floor). Tati Quebra Barraco, (the great Carioca funkster queen), is coming over for a show on 7th March. The duo MC Cidinho and MC Doca, whose main track, Rap das Armas is on the sound track of the film Tropa de Elite (The Elite Squad), will also be performing. The film Tropa de Elite was inspired by the book A Elite da Tropa and shows the day to day life of the BOPE (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais - Special Police Operations Battalion), specialising in high risk operations and the combat against drug trafficking in the favelas.

Cidinho and Doca are from the Cidade de Deus (City of God) neighbourhood. They’ve known each other since they were children, studied in the same school and were into the same Black-American singers, like Michael Jackson, Steve B, Tony Garcia and between this and playing football, they began to compose their own songs. In ‘94 success came at last. First with Rap das Armas then with one of the most famous refrains from Brazilian funk ““eu só quero é ser feliz, andar tranquilamente na favela onde eu nasci e poder me orgulhar e ter a consciência que o pobre tem seu lugar” (All I wanna be is happy, wander trouble free through the favela where I was born and be proud and know that the poor have their place), from Rap da Felicidade (Happiness Rap). Just like their music, they ‘just wanna be happy’, and we had a quick chat with the MCs (Mestre de Cerimônia - the guys in charge at the funk parties, generally the ones who present the singers, improvise a bit and get the people going) who talked a little bit about success and their first performance out of Brazil.

Jungle | How did you meet?
Doca – We were both born in the same neighbourhood, we were always together. We started to compose music and take part in rap competitions in our community and we won some prizes.

Jungle | When did you begin to be successful?
Cindinho– In 94 Rap das Armas was already being played on the radios, but hardly anyone knew it was ours. Then, in 95 came Rap da Felicidade and we did it.

Jungle | What’s changed since the ’90’s?
Cindinho – Well except for now being bald (laughter), maturity. I studied, gained a lot more general knowledge. I’d like to be an example for future generations – that you must never give up.

Doca – Today I’ve got more of a focus. I know what I want and I’m ready for new things.

Jungle | What do you think of the success of Rap das Armas following the film?
Cindinho – I thank God for everything – it’s a present, I’m really happy.
Doca – This is proof that giving up is pointless. At the beginning of our career we even sang standing on snooker tables. Today I always thank God. He tells us what to do and we do it. But being recognised is great, we’re doing lots of shows, the diary’s already full for February.

Jungle | And the show in London?
Doca – Great. I’m happy. I hope that everyone likes it.
Cindinho– Despite the invites, it’s the first time we’ll be playing out of Brazil. Tati Quebra Barraco will also be there and that’s great, as I respect her work. I’m quite nervous about it all, but I know that with faith in God everything will be ok.

Baile Funk – 07/03

The Galtimore Club, NW2 3EB

20h