Brazilian funk

Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid- to late 1960s when African American musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of soul music, jazz, and rhythm and blues (R&B). Funk emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground. Funk songs are often based on an extended vamp on a single chord, distinguishing them from R&B and soul songs, which are built on complex chord progressions. Funk uses the same extended chords found in bebop jazz, such as minor chords with added sevenths and elevenths, or dominant seventh chords with altered ninths. 

Like much African-inspired music, funk typically consists of a complex groove with rhythm instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, Hammond organ, and drums playing interlocking rhythms. Funk bands sometimes have a horn section of several saxophones, trumpets, and in some cases, a trombone, which plays rhythmic "hits". Funk originated in the mid-1960s, with James Brown's development of a signature groove that emphasized the downbeat—with heavy emphasis on the first beat of every measure, funky bass lines, drum patterns, and syncopated guitar riffs.

James Brown

In Brazil the culture of Funk started in mid- 1970s with the same songs that used to play in the United States. However, the rhythm and lyrics changed a lot over the years, it is now known as Funk Carioca, which means Funk from Rio de Janeiro. The Funk Carioca is an style of song mainly played in the favelas (slums) of Rio. Even though it has the same name of the original funk from the United States is very different nowadays. This difference started after 1970s; by that time there were many dance parties where Funk was played, after a period of time some DJs started to look for new rhythms to add in the Funk. These days only the name remained. The Funk Carioca has an influence from Miami bass and from freestyle. The name implies that is from Rio, however it became very popular and now is played in the whole country. 

Funk Carioca

One problem with this song style is...

Youtubers in Brazil

YouTube is a huge deal these days and in Brazil is not different. It is a  social media composed solemnly of videos. There are all kinds of media being shared through this, song’s video clips, news, entertaining recordings of small animals and children, which sometimes went viral and hit thousands of views. Little was made known to the masses that these videos could actually generate great source of revenue. The advertisements placed on these videos, when interacted with, can generate real money.  That is where YouTubers come in. The YouTube Company treats these people as their beloved “Creators”, giving individuals recognition for their hard work generating all kinds of different and interesting content. Some Brazilians, with their warming and fiery personality, naturally decided to take advantage of this opportunity, becoming YouTubers.

This industry is growing bigger by the day, although, it is not an opportunity for anyone. For content to be shared and viewed it has to have a specific audience, it is very important that the YouTuber uses his or hers talents to create interesting and innovative videos.

Now that all kinds of information can be accessed by my most people in Brazil, and it can be said that most people own a smartphone YouTube has become one of the most used social network for sharing media.

Canal Boom Channel

As YouTubers in Brazil share their ideas and thoughts, they become the generators of opinion for the masses. Famous YouTubers such as Felipe Neto, Kefera Buchman and Whinderson Nunes have now over four million followers who watch them and participate in their individual channels. These people talk about their everyday lives and common sense issues, which sometimes can be entertaining and funny. Either by their choice or not, they become very important figures for their followers. They are able to dictate what one should believe and think about the government, movies, books, actors and actresses, forming opinion and generating discussion.  By being relatable and influential figures, these people truly connect with their audience and some of their followers actually think of them as friends.

It is a growing and lucrative industry in Brazil, everyday new people take this opportunity, although not all can succeed.

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