With the Brazilian presidential election approaching, a question has circulated about whether artists and musicians tend to align with progressive or left-leaning positions. While Chico César speaks his mind, he remains cautious about labeling a whole group. He stresses that artists in Brazil are not a single bloc. Bolsonaro, César says, represents a regime that endorses violence, misogyny, and racial prejudice, and dislikes social diversity and the idea of returning to slavery. The singer-songwriter from Catolé de Rocha, a small city in Paraíba in the northeast, makes these points with measured clarity.
Many Brazilian singers have publicly backed Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signaling a broad artistic consensus in favor of Lula’s return to the presidency. Names such as Anitta, Lenine, Luisa Sonza, and the rapper Emicida have voiced support. Veterans like Caetano Veloso also joined the chorus, appearing in a music video supporting Lula. The work carries a unifying message across different generations of artists, with voices including Gal Costa, Daniela Mercury, and Maria Bethânia contributing to the campaign in various ways. The collective call is clear: a change in leadership is desired, and these artists use their platform to encourage their audiences to vote for Lula’s return to power.
A new ‘Bella ciao’
Chico César joined the public call, even though he was traveling to Europe when the initial video was produced. He emphasizes the importance of artists expressing themselves and suggests that seeing a counterbalance of Bolsonarist figures in similar videos could also make a powerful statement. César describes his track from the new album Vestido de amor, which includes a provocative song titled Bolsominions. He frames it as a protest piece designed to be performed in the streets, reminiscent of historic anthems like Bella ciao and echoes the tradition of protest songs from artists such as Peter Tosh and The Clash.
The lyrics touch on what César perceives as the destabilizing influence of the Brazilian presidency. He explains that his aim was to convey his strong disapproval of the neo-fascist tendencies he perceives in the country, and he notes that violence against women, Black people, Indigenous communities, and the poor is tied to the broader historical forces that shaped Brazil. He believes that a decisive shift is possible and that Lula has the capacity to bring peace and stability to the nation.
The mobilization among artists is notable but does not match the breadth of the political spectrum. Support for Bolsonaro remains rooted in more traditional music circles, while the sertanejo genre has its own vocal advocates in the campaign. The Brazilian musician Wagner Pa, a Rio de Janeiro native living in Barcelona since 1986 and formerly associated with Brazuca Matraca, describes the Bolsonaro alliance as a movement that has fused regional influences with the appeal of the big cities. He stresses that Bolsonaro’s approach risks deepening social rifts, encouraging corruption, and altering the governing style in ways that may erode trust. Despite some reservations, Pa identifies as pro-Lula, arguing that the Workers’ Party has faced serious governance challenges that require accountability and reform.
Wagner Pa also predicts significant political outcomes by the election day. On Monday, following his ballot box duty, Chico César is scheduled to perform at Barcelona’s Sala Apolo. César’s wish is for a moment of collective relief should Lula prevail, and he hints at performances that celebrate the anticipated turn in Brazilian politics. He plans to sing Bella ciao alongside tracks like Bolsominions and Pedrada, a declaration that calls for action and solidarity in the streets as the political mood shifts across the country.