Rap as a transatlantic bridge between Brazil and Mozambique

Abstract

This article investigates rap, as an artistic and political expression of the hip-hop movement, as a language of transatlantic resistance. The objective is to understand how rap acts as a practice of memory, identity affirmation, and a cultural bridge between historically racialized Black peoples, with a focus on the connection between Brazil and Mozambique. The methodology begins with a review of rap's role in the Brazilian scene and its global dimension as a voice of the African diaspora. It then conducts a study of the music video “Conexão Brasil x Moçambique” (Brazil x Mozambique Connection), examining its lyrical, visual, and, notably, linguistic elements, such as the use of Pretuguês (Brazilian and Mozambican) and Xichangana. The results show that rap not only articulates denunciations against racism and inequality but also builds cultural bridges by recording and valuing non-hegemonic knowledge and linguistic expressions.