Note from BBT: Black Brazilian musical artists are finally beginning to get their just due. As Brazilians and as black. This may not sound like a big deal for some and for others an example of creating segregation amongst Brazilians where it doesn’t belong. Well, needless to say, I don’t see it this way. And there are several reasons why.
You see, in Brazil, racial exclusion has always worked like this. The society as a whole loves to proclaim Brazilians are just Brazilians with no distinction according to race or color. That may sound great,a multi-racial country that doesn’t categorize or discriminate in the manner that other multi-racial societies are known for. But the fact is that it’s not quite like this.
The rhetoric may say that all Brazilians are equal, but everyone knows that Brazilians in a very general way prefer representatives of the country or those holding some sort of prominent position to be wrapped in light, white skin. This simply can’t be denied. When you read some of the comments that black Brazilians hear on a daily basis, this becomes very clear.
How else would you explain a black gymnast being told to participate in a sport meant for her biotype? Or a black engineering student being told that the black and poor don’t belong at a boat club? Or when a black scholarship student at one of Brazil’s top universities heard someone say, “A little nigger girl? Not here!”?
The funny thing is that, when black Brazilians overcome all of the odds and obstacles placed on their path, then people accuse those who celebrate the accomplishment as a black victory of provoking segregation. In their view, these victories should be categorized as simply Brazilian. This is the way Brazilian-styled racism functions. Everything is Kool and the Gang as long as Brazilians with white skin are winning even though their opportunities are often directly connected to the whiteness of their skin.
If a Brazilian with dark skin happens to slip through the cracks and people celebrate the very color that has hindered black progress for centuries, people are quick to define these types of celebrations and recognition as inherently racist all the while ignoring five centuries of discriminatory practices.
Sure, black Brazilians have actually contributed heavily to Brazilian history and culture, but to recognize this blackness is considered ‘’Unbrazilian’’ for many. This narrative is exactly why the rise of black Brazilian media has been so important for the past few decades. Black brazilian media today in many ways gives the middle finger to those who want to ignore the racial aspect to achievements.
With so many areas in which black Brazilians are touted as ‘’the first…’’ this or that, even in the 21st century, the fact alone should silence anyone making the accusation of ‘’segregation’’. There’s segregation alright. And throughout the nation’s history, black people have been its victims. So you’ll have to forgive them when they celebrate such accomplishments. In my view, they’ve earned this right.
From Luedji Luna to Martinho da Vila, to Orquestra Afrosinfônica and Tuyo, meet the black Brazilians nominated for Latin Grammy awards
Courtesy of Mídia Preta
The list of nominees for the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards has just been released and the list of Brazilians and black people present as nominees this year is beautiful! Let’s check it out?
Rapper Emicida is competing with the partnership he did with singer Ivete Sangalo, in the category of Best Song in the Portuguese Language, with the song “Mulheres Não Tem que Chorar”.
In the Best Brazilian Popular Music Album category, Luedji Luna appears with the album Bom Mesmo é Estar Debaixo D’Água and Zé Manoel with Do Meu Coração Nu.
Tuyo appears on the list of nominees in the Best Contemporary Pop Album in the Portuguese Language category for their album Chegamos Sozinhos em Casa vol. I.
In the Best Rock or Alternative Music Album in Portuguese Language category are Baiana System, with the album OxeAxeExu and Marcelo D2, with the album Assim Tocam os Meus Tambores, while the Orquestra Afrosinfônica album Orín, a Língua dos Anjos is competing in the Best Portuguese Language Roots Music Album category.
In the Best Samba/Pagode Album category, the contestants are Martinho da Vila, with the album Rio: Só Vendo a Vista; Paulinho da Viola, with the album Sempre Se Pode Sonhar; and Nei Lopes, with the album Nei Lopes, Projeto Coisa Fina & Guga Stroeter no Pagode Black Tie.
The Latin Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on November 18.
Source: Mídia Preta
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