Favela On Blast
Philadelphia-based DJ Diplo and Brazilian director Leandro HBL made a documentary about funk carioca that’s coming out on July 20th, called Favela on Blast. A little description from the BS Blog (which stands for Baller Status, mind you): “The upcoming film documents the culture surrounding “Funk Carioca,” a musical rhythm that mixes the American electronic funk of the 1980s with the most diverse influences of Brazilian music. It is one of the most interesting musical movements in the world and it comes from one of the most violent and poorest places too: the slums of Rio de Janeiro. Bombastic rhythms coming from the Miami Bass and loops and samples are united to powerful rap vocals using Brazilian slang.”
I’m very interested in watching this documentary to see the finished product, especially since it was also made by a Brazilian (whose friend coincidentally happens to be an acquaintance of mine). It will also be interesting to see if it garners a greater interest in funk amongst gringos and/or influence American musicians in any way.
Interview with Diplo:
