It is Carnaval time throughout South America.
Brazilians tend to celebrate with elaborate parades and music, usually samba.
But a different style of music is making a comeback.
It is called “funk carioca,” or simply “funk,” a mixture of hip-hop, samba and electronic music.
Ever since its inception, funk has had a rocky relationship with Brazilian authorities.
For a period of time in the 1990s, it was outlawed completely because of its risqué lyrics and perceived connection to Rio’s drug mafias. Now, as Rio’s police ramp up their war on the city’s gangs, funk is finding itself in trouble again.
Marlon Bishop has more.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us raise $67,000 by the end of the year and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer to our goal!