{"id":1815879,"date":"2026-03-09T12:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1815879"},"modified":"2026-03-09T12:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:26:00","slug":"on-the-funk-line-7-young-brazilians-speak-on-the-future-of-baile-funk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1815879","title":{"rendered":"On the funk line: 7 young Brazilians speak on the future of baile funk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/903\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440597.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"main-article standard \">\n<div class=\"article-main-content article-wrapper has-media-but-its-an-image\" data-status=\"loaded\" data-primary-article=\"true\" data-url=\"\/music\/article\/69838\/1\/spring-2026-favelas-7-young-brazilians-speak-on-the-future-of-baile-funk\" data-article-id=\"69838\">\n<header class=\"article-header has-portrait-image no-media\">\n<div class=\"wrapper dg-max-width\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<figure class=\"main-img has-figcaption\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.67\" data-template=\"Standard Article\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_09\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/903\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440597.jpg\" width=\"903\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"inner\"><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside class=\"meta\">\n<div class=\"inner\"><time datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:26:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"09 March 2026\"><span class=\"month\">March<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"9\">9,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"titles\">\n<div class=\"tags\">\n<div class=\"sections\"><a class=\"category vertical - music\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\">Music<\/a><br \/>\n\/<br \/>\n<a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/speakerbox\">Speakerbox<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"standard-tag-container\"><a class=\"standard-category\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\">Music<\/a> \/<br \/>\n<a class=\"standard-series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/speakerbox\">Speakerbox<\/a><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"title\"><span>On the funk line: 7 young Brazilians speak on the future of <span class=\"nowrap\">baile funk<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"standfirst\">\n<h2>In 2026, baile funk is in a bind: at the peak of its powers as a global pop phenomenon, but strangled at the grassroots level by government repression. Here, communities in Rio de Janeiro and S\u00e3o Paulo reflect on Brazil\u2019s hottest <span class=\"nowrap\">cultural export<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:26:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"09 March 2026\"><span class=\"month\">March<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"9\">9,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-03-09T12:26:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"09 March 2026\"><span class=\"month\">March<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"9\">9,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"providers\">\n<div class=\"contributors\"><span class=\"contributor\" data-contributor-role=\"Text\"><span class=\"contributor-role\">Text<\/span><a class=\"contributor-name\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/user\/FelipeMaia\">Felipe Maia<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"article-body-container\">\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"dazed-gallery has-12-images \">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<header>\n<div class=\"info\"><span class=\"heading\">Funk in the favelas &#8211; The Spring <span class=\"nowrap\">2026 issue<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"gallery\">\n<div class=\"gallery-thumbs\">\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/0\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_01\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440589.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/1\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_02\" class=\"img\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440590.jpg\" width=\"903\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/2\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_03\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440591.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/3\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_04\" class=\"img\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-189-900-600\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440592.jpg\" width=\"900\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/4\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_05\" class=\"img\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440593.jpg\" width=\"903\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/5\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_06\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440594.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-footer\">Gallery \/ 12 images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span><em>This story is taken from the spring 2026 issue of Dazed, which is on sale internationally now. Order a copy of the magazine\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.boutiquemags.com\/dpa\/add\/tocart\/id\/14592\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Sometimes it sounds muffled, coming from kids\u2019 bedroom studios tucked along narrow favela alleys. Sometimes it\u2019s overpowering, blasting from huge itinerant sound systems (pared\u00f5es) on the outskirts of major Brazilian cities. From Rio de Janeiro and S\u00e3o Paulo to the world, baile funk is at the peak of its global influence. The infectious beat \u2013 which now lives inside a vast sonic palette of mutations and offshoots \u2013 can be heard on dancefloors and phone speakers across the globe, from TikTok fashion girls riding the so-called Brasilcore trend to SoundCloud DJs dropping endless baile edits online. The genre is pushing boundaries across continents, infiltrating charts and festival lineups \u2013 and yet, at the same time, the baile funk scene is under threat from establishment powers in Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In 2025, Brazilian politics became the stage for a series of legal measures targeting baile funk artists and their cultural practices. Notable examples include a S\u00e3o Paulo parliamentary commission inquiry into street parties (bailes) and a controversial bill barring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/66924\/1\/oruam-brazil-rio-favelas-rap-summer-2025-issue\">Dazed cover star Oruam<\/a> \u2013 who moves between baile funk and trap \u2013 from performing at government-funded concerts. Most of these actions were driven by a conservative political agenda, with baile funk serving as an easy target for politicians eager to farm votes through inflammatory social media videos painting the genre as morally corrupting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On the streets, violence in the neighbourhoods where baile funk flourishes is rising. S\u00e3o Paulo State\u2019s Prosecutor\u2019s Office reported a 46 per cent increase in deaths caused by police officers from January to November 2024, while Rio saw a rise in police brutality in the early months of 2025, according to Brazil\u2019s Ministry of Justice and Security. In October, a police raid was responsible for the deaths of 132 people in the favelas of Penha and Alem\u00e3o in Rio, birthplaces of important baile funk artists like Rennan da Penha.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Still, baile funk\u2019s youth persevere with resilience and creativity. Be it pushing traditional baile funk forward or providing platforms offering safe spaces and dancefloors (such as the party label Submundo), the funkeiros and funkeiras continue to thrive and innovate despite systemic repression. To understand how baile funk prevails against all odds, we asked artists, producers and cultural actors on the frontlines of the scene to share their thoughts. As a not-so-old saying goes, the baile doesn\u2019t stop \u2013 and probably never will.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DT9NM5qlb17\/?img_index=3\">MC CABELINHO<\/a>, 29, RAPPER AND ACTOR<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"c27cc593-2791-4ee9-9ba0-b40500e19268\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1080\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440583.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440583.jpg\" width=\"1080\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">MC Cabelinho<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cI\u2019m a funkeiro, a rapper and a musician. I face prejudice every day, every hour. We\u2019ve been persecuted \u2013 that\u2019s crystal clear. It leaves us gutted, but it also awakens our rebellious side. We keep moving forward, working, singing our reality. We show through the music what it\u2019s really like inside the favelas. There are a million different realities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe state doesn\u2019t carry out operations in favelas with tact. A lot of people think that everyone here is a criminal, but there\u2019s the kid going to school, the aunt who wakes up at 5am to work at the rich people\u2019s house. This war-like approach generates anger in the community. When a child sees a cousin or a mother getting shot, they see the state as the villain. There\u2019s no way to explain that to a child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI believe our future is to keep growing and break through the bubble. I\u2019ll be really happy if everyone learns to educate themselves about funk and trap. We still face a lot of judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>VICX, 24, DJ\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"ba3b0996-b0d5-441d-81b2-b40500e1b8f7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/996\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440584.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440584.jpg\" width=\"996\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">DJ Vicx<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMany people outside Brazil just feel the genre without knowing its history, while here in Brazil people know where it comes from but don\u2019t feel the music or understand the culture \u2013 it\u2019s almost the inverse. It\u2019s up to us as artists to educate both audiences so that they can listen and understand our struggle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI just want to make my music and let people enjoy themselves. I want my sound to reach more people and, through that, educate them. If I don\u2019t make the music that I want to listen to\u2013to heal myself and help others feel good\u2013then who will? I want to make music that improves something. I don\u2019t know what that will be yet\u2013we\u2019ll discover it along the way. Maybe it helps someone, maybe someone messages their loved one saying how much they love them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chefonamermo\/\">TA\u00cdSA MACHADO<\/a>, 35, RESEARCHER AND WRITER<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"cebdd1c8-894d-44f7-9c8a-b40500e1d48a\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1083\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440585.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440585.jpg\" width=\"1083\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Ta\u00edsa Machado<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cFunk is still treated as [a taboo] in every sphere. Those who are victims of police brutality, incarceration and persecution are those who live funk at the bailes \u2013 both artists and the public. The baile has enormous resistance within it. And more importantly, it\u2019s a great cultural source.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cAt the baile, new slang is born, new fashion trends begin and new dance moves are invented. That\u2019s where the music gets stronger. Sadly, bailes keep declining. Ten years ago, there were over 70 bailes in Rio. Today, there\u2019s only three or four every Saturday \u2013 it\u2019s decreased massively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cWhen we see our culture as a whole, we see connections with the entire world, and that gives me enormous hope. But when I see there\u2019s still political persecution against it \u2013 like the anti-Oruam bill \u2013 when so many people are making money from baile funk, I feel very conflicted. There\u2019s a government plan to kill the culture, and I don\u2019t know what the future holds for baile funk. But I know it won\u2019t end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>RAY, 32, DJ<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"d794462f-fc71-4691-b430-b40500e2062f\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1084\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440586.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440586.jpg\" width=\"1084\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Ray<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cWhen I was a teenager, I used to go to baile funk parties in the favelas and I remember running away from police raids. Many of these operations take place because of alleged drug use by the baile funk youth. However, at sertanejo [traditional Brazilian pop music] parties or raves, drug use doesn\u2019t seem to be a problem \u2013 you don\u2019t see police there. The noise disturbance that is often cited as an issue at baile funk parties is also observed at other parties. The party is a celebration and they want to silence it, but these street parties are a reminder that we\u2019re alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cTo me, everything is political. Art can\u2019t be separate from politics. My art is a political tool; being a DJ is a political tool. We\u2019re reaching many people with our music, and I love this feeling of community, of celebration. I love partying and having fun with my people. Celebrating the lives of people who go through struggles is a moment of happiness. When I play funk, I have this feeling. That\u2019s political.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/djrddadz7\/?hl=en\">RD DA DZ7<\/a>, 18, PRODUCER AND DJ<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"9fd44085-4d7d-4497-920c-b40500e2c460\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/994\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440588.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440588.jpg\" width=\"994\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">DJ RD <span class=\"nowrap\">DA DZ7<\/span><\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMy dad says, \u2018funk is dirty\u2019. But I tell him, \u2018That\u2019s what we are.\u2019 I reckon many people haven\u2019t properly listened yet because they think funk is dirty. They don\u2019t know what\u2019s behind the artists and the music today. Funk is very diverse; it [changes] massively in terms of the styles artists keep bringing to the table. Funk-hall \u2013 funk with dancehall \u2013 funk techno&#8230; there\u2019s so much coming. The mandem are making all sorts \u2013 look at SoundCloud, there are loads of track titles and subgenres. They\u2019re going mad every day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI see a future where artists like me thrive. Because funk is evolving, and I\u2019m talking especially about DJs here \u2013 they\u2019re all coming with something different. Some bring back old baile elements, beats that we recognise just from hearing the first notes. Others are on a fast-forward move, they\u2019re working in a way that adds new value to the music. And fans are genuinely listening to the music. Today, nobody listens to funk just because they like the beat alone: they\u2019re paying attention to everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>VIT\u00d3RIA MACHADO DE SOUZA, 25, PASSINHO DANCER\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"34ef981d-b3da-4781-9552-b40500e0581e\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/995\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440581.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440581.jpg\" width=\"995\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Vit\u00f3ria Machado <span class=\"nowrap\">de Souza<\/span><\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMany people don\u2019t understand what\u2019s behind the passinho [dance style developed in the baile funk parties of Rio]. They see funk as being just for fun, but they don\u2019t know the struggle behind it. People need to understand this is the reality we live. When Oruam writes about police and criminals, he\u2019s talking about what actually happens in favelas. We know that, with proper investment, with more attention, there could be different perspectives in our culture. Instead, the regular approach towards us is: let\u2019s go into the favelas, kill however many bandits, and make the media and upper classes happy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cIf there is a police operation in the favela where I live, I can\u2019t leave for work. If I tell the police that I\u2019m going to work to dance, they don\u2019t care. Art, culture and funk take us to places very different from <\/span><span>our reality.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>RAFAEL SANTOS, 31, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/fluxosrecords\/?hl=en\">FLUXOS RECORDS<\/a> CEO<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"221dbad7-bb31-43ba-86fb-b40500e22d0c\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/995\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440587.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440587.jpg\" width=\"995\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cBailes are a cultural manifestation. For decades, this was the only space to gather and listen to funk. Private venues took their time accepting it, and the genre went through a persecution process mirroring the history of samba, capoeira and rap. We need legislation and public security measures so people like me can exercise our right to leisure with what we actually enjoy \u2013 the sound-system baile funk culture. We need regulation for those working in funk events, and to gather data on funk\u2019s creative economy, because only then will we have solid evidence for public policies for funk\u2019s youth. Look at how K-pop was used in Korea to boost the economy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cJust because the government treats artists like criminals doesn\u2019t make funk a crime. These artists are storytellers and funk is their creative expression, source of income, form of self-care and act of resistance. Criminalising it further marginalises youth from the ends. We\u2019re fighting for respect, space, recognition and the right to culture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><em>Ta\u00edsa, Vicx, Vit\u00f3ria: hair and make-up Piu Gontijo at No Title Management, photographic assistant Flavio Marques,<\/em><br \/><em>hair and make-up assistant Tom Souza, production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production manager Giulia Muller.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>MC Cabelinho, Rafael, Ray, RD da DZ7: hair and make-up Helder Rodrigues at Capa Mgt, photographic assistant (Rafael, Ray, DJ da DZ7) Renan Martins, (MC Cabelinho) Marcio Marcolino, hair and make-up assistant Gisele Santana, executive production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production Marc Edenburg at Farago Projects, production manager Andr\u00e9 Gustavo.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span>Gallery above: Styling Zaz\u00e1 Pecego, hair and make-up Jo\u00e3o Miranda at Beltrame MGMT, talent Bebelsito, Bruna Soares, Da boca, Dabren, Diaba, Evelyn, Fox, Gabriel Johnny, Gisele, HUD, Jamile Martins, Juan, Keyte, Kblean, Leskill, Maha, Muito Louca, Nattan, Tago Oli, Vit\u00f3ria Machado, photographic assistants Flavio Marques, Patrick Eloy, styling assistants Lucia Souza, Ruan Alexander, Marcelo Borgeth, Hannah Rodrigues, Lene Cruz, hair and make-up assistants Carlos Henrique Silva, Andressa Xavier, Ro Resende, Ygor Oliveira, production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production manager Giulia Muller, casting Tago Oli, Bill Macintyre, Lenita Tropical<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span>This story is taken from the spring 2026 issue of Dazed, which is on sale internationally now. Order a copy of the magazine\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.boutiquemags.com\/dpa\/add\/tocart\/id\/14592\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"article-footer\">\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<div class=\"article-series\">\n<h4 class=\"heading\">More on these topics<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-series\"><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\">Music<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/speakerbox\">Speakerbox<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/the-spring-2026-issue\">The Spring 2026 Issue<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/tag\/baile-funk\">baile funk<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/tag\/brazil\">Brazil<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<div class=\"grid\">\n<div class=\"lava-lamp\">\n<div class=\"lava-lamp-text-container\">\n<h3 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src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/142-0-756-503\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1330\/4\/1334212.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Tems knows the true secret to happiness<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69831\/1\/2hollis-room-service-spiked-with-pcp-spring-2026-video-interview\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"hollis thumb 2\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-0-1082-720\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440408.png\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">2hollis is worried about secret cameras in hotel rooms<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/fashion\/article\/69744\/1\/ganni-harley-weir-spring-summer-2026-maggie-maurer\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"optional-paragraph\"> GANNI<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"GANNI_SS26-CAMPAIGN_4X5_1\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-610-2399-1596\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/8\/1438662.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">GANNI is yearning for a dreamy summer \u2013 and so are we <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69818\/1\/cobrah-torn-good-puss-swedish-dance-music-dream-night-out-club\"><\/p>\n<div 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href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69796\/1\/miso-soup-furries-ass-personality-beabadoobee-chaotic-digital-footprint-viral\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"YouTube Still\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/16-0-2660-1769\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/9\/1439847.png\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Ass, miso soup and furries: beabadoobee\u2019s 5 most chaotic online moments<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69813\/1\/beabadoobee-spring-2026-issue-interview-all-i-did-was-dream-about-you\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_CoverIndex_08\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-185-628-418\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440141.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">beabadoobee: \u2018You\u2019ve got to embrace the fuck-ups and the failures\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69803\/1\/5-most-revealing-lyrics-harry-styles-kiss-all-the-time-disco-occasionally\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Screenshot 2026-03-03 at 11.15.32\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-0-2433-1618\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/9\/1439991.png\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">The most revealing lyrics on Harry Styles\u2019 new album<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69779\/1\/the-rise-of-esdeekid-tracks-gucci-afterparty-aw26-milan\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Gucci_Dazed_270226-29-SzymonStepniak\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-733-1366-908\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/9\/1439451.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">The rise of EsDeeKid in 5 tracks<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69810\/1\/watch-oklou-on-favourite-films-parenthood-spring-2026-issue-video\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ok thumb 2 (1)\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-0-1082-720\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440231.png\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Oklou finally confirmed how we should say her name<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69795\/1\/a-starter-pack-guide-to-2hollis-spring-2026-issue-hair\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"1431138.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/480\/0-2-2399-1596\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1430\/9\/1439954.jpg\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">A starter pack guide to the lore of 2hollis<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline\" data-newsletter hidden>\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"dazed-gallery has-12-images \">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<header>\n<div class=\"info\"><span class=\"heading\">Funk in the favelas &#8211; The Spring <span class=\"nowrap\">2026 issue<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"gallery\">\n<div class=\"gallery-thumbs\">\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/0\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_01\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440589.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/1\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_02\" class=\"img\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440590.jpg\" width=\"903\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/2\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_03\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440591.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/3\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_04\" class=\"img\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-189-900-600\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440592.jpg\" width=\"900\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/4\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_05\" class=\"img\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440593.jpg\" width=\"903\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/gallery\/36807\/5\/funk-in-the-favelas-the-spring-2026-issue\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DC291_U3_SB_Speakerbox_Paulo_Almeida_06\" class=\"img\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/320\/0-0-902-601\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440594.jpg\" width=\"902\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-footer\">Gallery \/ 12 images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span><em>This story is taken from the spring 2026 issue of Dazed, which is on sale internationally now. Order a copy of the magazine\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.boutiquemags.com\/dpa\/add\/tocart\/id\/14592\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Sometimes it sounds muffled, coming from kids\u2019 bedroom studios tucked along narrow favela alleys. Sometimes it\u2019s overpowering, blasting from huge itinerant sound systems (pared\u00f5es) on the outskirts of major Brazilian cities. From Rio de Janeiro and S\u00e3o Paulo to the world, baile funk is at the peak of its global influence. The infectious beat \u2013 which now lives inside a vast sonic palette of mutations and offshoots \u2013 can be heard on dancefloors and phone speakers across the globe, from TikTok fashion girls riding the so-called Brasilcore trend to SoundCloud DJs dropping endless baile edits online. The genre is pushing boundaries across continents, infiltrating charts and festival lineups \u2013 and yet, at the same time, the baile funk scene is under threat from establishment powers in Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In 2025, Brazilian politics became the stage for a series of legal measures targeting baile funk artists and their cultural practices. Notable examples include a S\u00e3o Paulo parliamentary commission inquiry into street parties (bailes) and a controversial bill barring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/66924\/1\/oruam-brazil-rio-favelas-rap-summer-2025-issue\">Dazed cover star Oruam<\/a> \u2013 who moves between baile funk and trap \u2013 from performing at government-funded concerts. Most of these actions were driven by a conservative political agenda, with baile funk serving as an easy target for politicians eager to farm votes through inflammatory social media videos painting the genre as morally corrupting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On the streets, violence in the neighbourhoods where baile funk flourishes is rising. S\u00e3o Paulo State\u2019s Prosecutor\u2019s Office reported a 46 per cent increase in deaths caused by police officers from January to November 2024, while Rio saw a rise in police brutality in the early months of 2025, according to Brazil\u2019s Ministry of Justice and Security. In October, a police raid was responsible for the deaths of 132 people in the favelas of Penha and Alem\u00e3o in Rio, birthplaces of important baile funk artists like Rennan da Penha.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Still, baile funk\u2019s youth persevere with resilience and creativity. Be it pushing traditional baile funk forward or providing platforms offering safe spaces and dancefloors (such as the party label Submundo), the funkeiros and funkeiras continue to thrive and innovate despite systemic repression. To understand how baile funk prevails against all odds, we asked artists, producers and cultural actors on the frontlines of the scene to share their thoughts. As a not-so-old saying goes, the baile doesn\u2019t stop \u2013 and probably never will.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DT9NM5qlb17\/?img_index=3\">MC CABELINHO<\/a>, 29, RAPPER AND ACTOR<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"c27cc593-2791-4ee9-9ba0-b40500e19268\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1080\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440583.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440583.jpg\" width=\"1080\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">MC Cabelinho<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cI\u2019m a funkeiro, a rapper and a musician. I face prejudice every day, every hour. We\u2019ve been persecuted \u2013 that\u2019s crystal clear. It leaves us gutted, but it also awakens our rebellious side. We keep moving forward, working, singing our reality. We show through the music what it\u2019s really like inside the favelas. There are a million different realities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe state doesn\u2019t carry out operations in favelas with tact. A lot of people think that everyone here is a criminal, but there\u2019s the kid going to school, the aunt who wakes up at 5am to work at the rich people\u2019s house. This war-like approach generates anger in the community. When a child sees a cousin or a mother getting shot, they see the state as the villain. There\u2019s no way to explain that to a child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI believe our future is to keep growing and break through the bubble. I\u2019ll be really happy if everyone learns to educate themselves about funk and trap. We still face a lot of judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>VICX, 24, DJ\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"ba3b0996-b0d5-441d-81b2-b40500e1b8f7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/996\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440584.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440584.jpg\" width=\"996\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">DJ Vicx<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMany people outside Brazil just feel the genre without knowing its history, while here in Brazil people know where it comes from but don\u2019t feel the music or understand the culture \u2013 it\u2019s almost the inverse. It\u2019s up to us as artists to educate both audiences so that they can listen and understand our struggle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI just want to make my music and let people enjoy themselves. I want my sound to reach more people and, through that, educate them. If I don\u2019t make the music that I want to listen to\u2013to heal myself and help others feel good\u2013then who will? I want to make music that improves something. I don\u2019t know what that will be yet\u2013we\u2019ll discover it along the way. Maybe it helps someone, maybe someone messages their loved one saying how much they love them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chefonamermo\/\">TA\u00cdSA MACHADO<\/a>, 35, RESEARCHER AND WRITER<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"cebdd1c8-894d-44f7-9c8a-b40500e1d48a\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1083\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440585.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440585.jpg\" width=\"1083\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Ta\u00edsa Machado<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cFunk is still treated as [a taboo] in every sphere. Those who are victims of police brutality, incarceration and persecution are those who live funk at the bailes \u2013 both artists and the public. The baile has enormous resistance within it. And more importantly, it\u2019s a great cultural source.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cAt the baile, new slang is born, new fashion trends begin and new dance moves are invented. That\u2019s where the music gets stronger. Sadly, bailes keep declining. Ten years ago, there were over 70 bailes in Rio. Today, there\u2019s only three or four every Saturday \u2013 it\u2019s decreased massively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cWhen we see our culture as a whole, we see connections with the entire world, and that gives me enormous hope. But when I see there\u2019s still political persecution against it \u2013 like the anti-Oruam bill \u2013 when so many people are making money from baile funk, I feel very conflicted. There\u2019s a government plan to kill the culture, and I don\u2019t know what the future holds for baile funk. But I know it won\u2019t end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>RAY, 32, DJ<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"d794462f-fc71-4691-b430-b40500e2062f\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/1084\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440586.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.8\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440586.jpg\" width=\"1084\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Ray<\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cWhen I was a teenager, I used to go to baile funk parties in the favelas and I remember running away from police raids. Many of these operations take place because of alleged drug use by the baile funk youth. However, at sertanejo [traditional Brazilian pop music] parties or raves, drug use doesn\u2019t seem to be a problem \u2013 you don\u2019t see police there. The noise disturbance that is often cited as an issue at baile funk parties is also observed at other parties. The party is a celebration and they want to silence it, but these street parties are a reminder that we\u2019re alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cTo me, everything is political. Art can\u2019t be separate from politics. My art is a political tool; being a DJ is a political tool. We\u2019re reaching many people with our music, and I love this feeling of community, of celebration. I love partying and having fun with my people. Celebrating the lives of people who go through struggles is a moment of happiness. When I play funk, I have this feeling. That\u2019s political.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/djrddadz7\/?hl=en\">RD DA DZ7<\/a>, 18, PRODUCER AND DJ<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"9fd44085-4d7d-4497-920c-b40500e2c460\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/994\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440588.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440588.jpg\" width=\"994\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">DJ RD <span class=\"nowrap\">DA DZ7<\/span><\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMy dad says, \u2018funk is dirty\u2019. But I tell him, \u2018That\u2019s what we are.\u2019 I reckon many people haven\u2019t properly listened yet because they think funk is dirty. They don\u2019t know what\u2019s behind the artists and the music today. Funk is very diverse; it [changes] massively in terms of the styles artists keep bringing to the table. Funk-hall \u2013 funk with dancehall \u2013 funk techno&#8230; there\u2019s so much coming. The mandem are making all sorts \u2013 look at SoundCloud, there are loads of track titles and subgenres. They\u2019re going mad every day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cI see a future where artists like me thrive. Because funk is evolving, and I\u2019m talking especially about DJs here \u2013 they\u2019re all coming with something different. Some bring back old baile elements, beats that we recognise just from hearing the first notes. Others are on a fast-forward move, they\u2019re working in a way that adds new value to the music. And fans are genuinely listening to the music. Today, nobody listens to funk just because they like the beat alone: they\u2019re paying attention to everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>VIT\u00d3RIA MACHADO DE SOUZA, 25, PASSINHO DANCER\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"34ef981d-b3da-4781-9552-b40500e0581e\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/995\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440581.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440581.jpg\" width=\"995\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Vit\u00f3ria Machado <span class=\"nowrap\">de Souza<\/span><\/span><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cMany people don\u2019t understand what\u2019s behind the passinho [dance style developed in the baile funk parties of Rio]. They see funk as being just for fun, but they don\u2019t know the struggle behind it. People need to understand this is the reality we live. When Oruam writes about police and criminals, he\u2019s talking about what actually happens in favelas. We know that, with proper investment, with more attention, there could be different perspectives in our culture. Instead, the regular approach towards us is: let\u2019s go into the favelas, kill however many bandits, and make the media and upper classes happy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cIf there is a police operation in the favela where I live, I can\u2019t leave for work. If I tell the police that I\u2019m going to work to dance, they don\u2019t care. Art, culture and funk take us to places very different from <\/span><span>our reality.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span>RAFAEL SANTOS, 31, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/fluxosrecords\/?hl=en\">FLUXOS RECORDS<\/a> CEO<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"inline-img expandable dev-view-hide\" data-img=\"221dbad7-bb31-43ba-86fb-b40500e22d0c\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/995\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440587.jpg\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"portrait\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Speakerbox, Baile Funk, Paulo Almeida\" class=\"img\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/786\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440587.jpg\" width=\"995\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"credit\">Photography Paulo Almeida<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>\u201cBailes are a cultural manifestation. For decades, this was the only space to gather and listen to funk. Private venues took their time accepting it, and the genre went through a persecution process mirroring the history of samba, capoeira and rap. We need legislation and public security measures so people like me can exercise our right to leisure with what we actually enjoy \u2013 the sound-system baile funk culture. We need regulation for those working in funk events, and to gather data on funk\u2019s creative economy, because only then will we have solid evidence for public policies for funk\u2019s youth. Look at how K-pop was used in Korea to boost the economy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cJust because the government treats artists like criminals doesn\u2019t make funk a crime. These artists are storytellers and funk is their creative expression, source of income, form of self-care and act of resistance. Criminalising it further marginalises youth from the ends. We\u2019re fighting for respect, space, recognition and the right to culture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><em>Ta\u00edsa, Vicx, Vit\u00f3ria: hair and make-up Piu Gontijo at No Title Management, photographic assistant Flavio Marques,<\/em><br \/><em>hair and make-up assistant Tom Souza, production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production manager Giulia Muller.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>MC Cabelinho, Rafael, Ray, RD da DZ7: hair and make-up Helder Rodrigues at Capa Mgt, photographic assistant (Rafael, Ray, DJ da DZ7) Renan Martins, (MC Cabelinho) Marcio Marcolino, hair and make-up assistant Gisele Santana, executive production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production Marc Edenburg at Farago Projects, production manager Andr\u00e9 Gustavo.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span>Gallery above: Styling Zaz\u00e1 Pecego, hair and make-up Jo\u00e3o Miranda at Beltrame MGMT, talent Bebelsito, Bruna Soares, Da boca, Dabren, Diaba, Evelyn, Fox, Gabriel Johnny, Gisele, HUD, Jamile Martins, Juan, Keyte, Kblean, Leskill, Maha, Muito Louca, Nattan, Tago Oli, Vit\u00f3ria Machado, photographic assistants Flavio Marques, Patrick Eloy, styling assistants Lucia Souza, Ruan Alexander, Marcelo Borgeth, Hannah Rodrigues, Lene Cruz, hair and make-up assistants Carlos Henrique Silva, Andressa Xavier, Ro Resende, Ygor Oliveira, production Emmanuelle Atlan at Farago Projects, production manager Giulia Muller, casting Tago Oli, Bill Macintyre, Lenita Tropical<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span>This story is taken from the spring 2026 issue of Dazed, which is on sale internationally now. Order a copy of the magazine\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.boutiquemags.com\/dpa\/add\/tocart\/id\/14592\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/music\/article\/69838\/1\/spring-2026-favelas-7-young-brazilians-speak-on-the-future-of-baile-funk&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images-prod.dazeddigital.com\/903\/0-0-903-602\/azure\/dazed-prod\/1440\/0\/1440597.jpg&#8221;] Photography Paulo Almeida March\u00a0 9,\u00a0 2026 Music \/ Speakerbox Music \/ Speakerbox On the funk line: 7 young Brazilians speak on the future of baile funk In 2026, baile funk is in a bind: at the peak of its powers as a global pop phenomenon, but strangled at the grassroots level by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,76],"class_list":["post-1815879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dazeddigital-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1815879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1815879"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1815879\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1815879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1815879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1815879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}