Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Vibrancy and passion in the samba city.

Right at the end of a record breaking heatwave, and just as the storms were hitting, we travelled to the beautiful, eminent city of Rio de Janeiro.

We connected with passionate Rocinha local Daniel Cardoso, Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil and a microcosm of Rio's life and vibrancy.

Daniel introduced us to leading local artist Marcos Rodrigo aka Wark Rocinha at his animated studio in Rocinha. Wark's artwork is peppered all across the narrow passages of Rocinha with his creative angels watching over the residents of the favela.

We visited the amazing Acorda Capoeira, based in Rocinha. Founded by the beautiful Manoel Costa. Acorda Capoeira provides a safe home for young people to come and learn the Brazilian fighting dance of Capoeira, receive support from positive role models and to learn new languages and life skills. The initiative provides a positive sanctuary amidst an environment full of challenges for young people in the favela.

Daniel connected us with local Rocinha rapper Einstein Negralha, who wrote and performed the lyrics for our Rio city video, bringing the energy and flare of Rocinha to the track.

Acorda Capoeira

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