What is Funk? Well in Brazil its everything and anything. Forget what you think you know and open yourself up to a notion of Funk as representing Brazilian modern black music as a whole. Below is a beginners guide to the meaning of ‘Funk’ in Brazil
Funk
The term which has settled in Brazil (following its introduction from US) to describe all Brazilian black dance music produced from 1970s onwards
Brazilian Funk
Used to refer to the first modern Brazilian black dance music made in 1970s influenced by Black popular music from US (also know as Black Rio in Rio de Janeiro).
Funk Carioca
The term for Brazilian Black dance music influenced by US Electrofunk and Miami Bass. Developed first in Rio de Janeiro in mid/late 1980s.
Favela Funk
A more general term for Brazilian Black dance music developing subsequent to Funk Carioca, as the music moved further into the Favellas. Throughout 1990s, Favellas in different cities came up with new styles by introducing regional rhythms and language. Rio de Janeiro moves closer to a Techno sound, while Sao Paolo moves closer to old school Hip Hop. Dance parties in Favellas are called Bailes.
Baile Funk
The presently preferred international term to describe any Brazilian black dance music now heard at Biales (Funk Dance Balls). The term encompasses many sub-genres ranging from Funk Proibidao (translates to ‘highly forbidden’) to Melodic Funk (Romantic). As technology has became more widely available, this music has become increasingly digital and spread worldwide via the internet. Baile Funk is still known as Funk Carioca or simply Funk in Rio de Janeiro.
So perhaps in fact, Mr Clinton and his entourage are not as far away from the definition of Brazilian Funk as at first they may seem? Both represent open mindedness to change and progress in all its many forms. Wild and free, to move anywhere and everywhere.
This is Funk.
Timjim 2008 (Advertorial)
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