Brazilian Funk Artist MC Poze’s Arrest Over Lyrics Sparks Uproar

Brazilian Funk Artist MC Poze’s Arrest Over Lyrics Sparks Uproar

The arrest of Brazilian funk star MC Poze do Rodo on charges of allegedly inciting crime through his music has sparked intense backlash from artists, academics, and legal professionals, who view the move as part of a broader effort to criminalise Black culture and stifle artistic freedom in Brazil.

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

MC Poze, whose real name is Marlon Brendon Coelho Couto da Silva, was arrested last Thursday at his luxury residence in western Rio de Janeiro. Known for his raw lyrics and massive popularity on music platforms like Spotify, where he boasts over 5 million monthly listeners, the 26-year-old was taken into custody for allegedly glorifying drug trafficking and firearms in his songs.

The arrest, widely circulated via media footage showing the singer handcuffed, shirtless, and barefoot, has drawn condemnation for its heavy-handed execution. Critics argue the move was disproportionate for non-violent allegations and raises serious questions about Brazil’s treatment of cultural expression.

Authorities have alleged that the artist’s concerts were backed by a major drug syndicate, but no concrete evidence has been made public. The police’s claim that his music poses a greater threat than physical violence has been labelled as inflammatory and unfounded.

Artists and intellectuals across Brazil have voiced support for MC Poze, highlighting a long history of Black cultural repression in the country. Anthropologist Mylene Mizrahi compared funk artists to global pop culture figures, pointing out that fictional portrayals of crime in film or theatre are not criminalised.

Human rights advocates say the case is part of an enduring pattern of systemic racism in Brazil. Joel Luiz Costa, director of the Black Population Defence Institute, say Since they can’t outlaw Blackness, they criminalise what represents Black identity,” Costa said.

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