Last Monday, the 20th, Daniela Mercury Roda Viva program on TV Cultura and said that she would have made a heavy metal album with more radical activism if Jair Bolsonaro had won the presidential election in 2022.
“I would have made a rap album, a trap album, a heavy metal album. A protest album, a rebellious album. I would have gone crazy. There was no way. We were in a trap, and even today I have the feeling that the country didn't realize the gravity of what we went through, of what the latest events were, since the coup against Dilma Rousseff . There was almost the destruction of democracy and we almost lost our 'necks,' and it would have been tragic, in every way, not just for culture” (via UOL ).
The singer added: “We are making great strides and strengthening our democracy, but it's not easy. We have to rebuild the entire democracy we've built; we need to rethink it. We cannot forget the fascism that took over the country and is still present, with many people defending it, including elected politicians.”
The almost-heavy metal album that Daniela Mercury mentions is Baiana (2022), released in December. Her 13th studio album, which blends samba and axé, offered new perspectives on the strength of Brazilian women, especially those from Salvador and the Northeast.
In an interview with Carta Capital , the Queen of Axé gave more details about the concept of the project, which also criticized the former government: “People associate me with joy because I make rhythmic music, but my music has always been very politicized, it has always brought up strong, forceful, profound themes. The rhythm sometimes camouflages it. Baiana brings that out.”
“Since we are once again facing this fascist, authoritarian shadow, ignited by an anti-democratic government, we have to reinforce all the struggles. I have never stopped singing about the difficulties, even in an environment that celebrates joy and life. Music is a way of talking about ourselves, in a possible or momentary joy. We don't have to keep counting suffering, because that doesn't help much. We have to highlight and politicize this suffering, seeking to transform it into an organized social demand.”
Since the success of " O Canto da Cidade ," Daniela has been known for using art as a way to raise awareness. This desire for change, however, is still sung about by few.
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