Brazil Honors Black Music

This year, in honor of Black Music Month, we’re exploring the undeniable impact of Black music and musicians around the world. Brazilian Black music primarily evolved from the influence of African-Brazilian percussion used in religious music, which later mixed with US music like soul, funk, and, eventually, hip-hop. “Nganga Njila,” by Mateus Aleluia (formerly of Os Tincoãs), explores those roots, while LUDMILLA creates a more contemporary take on Black feminine identity with “Rainha da Favela,” a straight, fast-paced baile funk track. Elsewhere, Emicida, a rapper and dedicated researcher of all things Black Brazilian, is included with “AmarElo,” an inclusive anthem on the struggles of being Black in Brazil that adds a different layer to the theme with guest spots by Majur and Pabllo Vittar. Dive into our Black Music Month playlist, and if you hear something you like, save it to your library.