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Criolo Foto: Robert Astley-Sparke
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He is the “megastar of the megacities”, as The Guardian wrote, a “Brazilian hip-hop superstar” (Radio Eins): the rapper, composer and poet of the metropolis, Criolo from São Paulo.
With his Album “Nó na Orelha” (Knot in the Ear), originally released online as a free download, an astounding career began: the MC from the favelas of the city of millions, with his socially critical, political lyrics, has been equally celebrated by public and critics alike. He plays in the stadiums of the country, tours through Latin America and Europe, appeared at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark and in Central Park in New York. Various concerts were released as DVDs and downloads. Multiple collaborations with the music greats of Brazil are to follow.
Criolo’s parents came to São Paulo from the poor north of the country, landing on the city’s outskirts, in the favela das Imbuias. Criolo worked in his youth in a supermarket, sold clothes in the doorways of apartment blocks. Later he gave art classes for school children, and worked for seven years as a street-worker with at-risk youth.
Today Criolo is known right throughout Brazilian society. When he raps about poverty, about police violence, drug abuse, everyday racism and the injustice of a booming economy out of the reach of many, people from every stratum of society listen in.
At the poesiefestival berlin 2014, Criolo will appear for just the second time in Germany, making two appearances, with exclusive, reduced sets, which will concentrate completely on his lyrics.
Discography
Albums:
Ainda Há Tempo (2006)
Nó Na Orelha (2011)
Singles:
Ainda Há Tempo (2006)
Subirusdoistiozin (2010)
Duas De Cinco (2013)
DVDs:
Criolo Doido Live in SP (2010)
Criolo & Emicida ao Vivo (2013)
Nó Na Orelha ao Vivo no Circo Voador (2013)
Criolo & Emicida ao Vivo (2013)
Nó Na Orelha ao Vivo no Circo Voador (2013)