Musical Artivism and Social Media in the Bolsonaro Era

Abstract

Abstract This chapter investigates musical artivism among musicians, most of whom are amateurs, from various parts of Brazil, who, in response to the rise of the Far Right and Bolsanismo, began to produce carnival marches, or marchinhas, lampooning Bolsonaro and his followers, which they posted to social media. Marchinhas have historically been seen as arenas for the expression of social critique through humorous song lyrics, and double meanings. After samba became the primary rhythm to accompany carnival in Brazil, however, marchinhas became somewhat forgotten. Since the 2000s, street carnival, spearheaded by blocos carnavalescos (organized street carnival associations), the marchinha has made a majestic comeback, many following the tradition of targeting politicians and public policies. Following conversations with various marchinha composers, particularly those with social media profiles, the chapter addresses their understandings of their activities and its effectiveness as a political tool.