With the release of new album Sobre Viver, translating as “to survive” in English, Criolo returns to his rapping roots. “Pequenina” is the most autobiographical track from the collection, in which he honours his sister, Cleane, who passed away from COVID-19 at the age of 39. Above all, though, this song stands as a tribute to his mother. “Mothers have suffered in silence for so long” Criolo expresses, ruminating over his mother’s loneliness, and the tribulation of living within a ruthless system that pushes you to the periphery.
- DIÁRIO DO KAOS
- PRETOS GANHANDO DINHEIRO INCOMODA DEMAIS
- MOLEQUES SÃO MENINOS, CRIANÇAS SÃO TAMBÉM
- OGUM OGUM
- SÉTIMO TEMPLÁRIO
- ME CORTE NA BOCA DO CÉU A MORTE NÃO PEDE PERDÃO
- YEMANJÁ CHEGOU
- PEQUENINA
- QUEM PLANTA AMOR AQUI VAI MORRER
- APRENDENDO A SOBREVIVER
In a grand collaboration with singers MC Hariel and Liniker, conductor Jaques Morelenbaum, and of course Criolo’s own mother and poet Maria Vilani, this track combines layers of jazz, baile funk, soul and rap. The centrepiece, however, is undoubtedly the lyrics, and the potent story they tell about loneliness, poverty, and living in the favelas of Brazil. The different energies and perspectives brought to the table by this ensemble make a strong statement about the power of music to overcome loss, and the pain that accompanies it.
Amy Smith, Sounds and Colours, 24 May, 2022
Delìrivm Còrdia 