Anitta Reflects on Dreaming Big in Brazil and Breaking the ‘Rules’ of Being a Woman: ‘I Wanted to Shake My Ass. I Wanted to Be Free’
¡Hola, familia! Preparense because today we’re diving deep into the colorful and brave world of Anitta, the Brazilian superstar who is shaking up the scene with her vibrant spirit and pure corazón. Recently honored at Variety’s Power of Women Presented by Lifetime event, held in New York’s picturesque Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, this chica has a story that’s nothing short of inspiradora.
Presenting Anitta's accolade was none other than Bruna Marquezine, who toasted to Anitta's "authenticidad y fiery passion for music." Marquezine praised, “You are an agent of change — a true ambassador of our cultura around the world. You are a fearless mujer who has overcome several social and cultural barriers to get where you are – opening doors for many other women in our country and serving as an inspiration and a symbol of female empowerment, courage and freedom.”
Anitta, taking the stage with the confidence of a queen, shared tales from her humble beginnings in the Brazilian favelas. "We are born believing these dreams are not possible for us," she reflected with a passion burning in her eyes. The favelas, often seen as the overlooked corners of society, fueled her determination instead of extinguishing her dreams. “There's no estructura, no opportunity," she explained, but even these harsh realities didn’t dim her fiery todo es posible attitude.
An advocate for the unheard, Anitta isn’t just making waves in the music industry; she's a beacon of hope through her charity work with CUFA (Central Única das Favelas). Based in her hometown of Rio De Janeiro, this phenomenal organization empowers the underprivileged, offering everything from tech and computer cursos to cultural activities embracing sports and music – the same beats that pulse through Anitta's latest rhythm, the “Funk Generation.”
During her heartfelt discurso, Anitta delved into the tough barriers she broke as a mujer in Brazil. "The rules, oh, the many rules about how to be a woman, how to behave," she recounted, pushing past expectations to be nothing other than herself—that's Anitta for you, “I wanted to shake my ass, I wanted to be free, I wanted to make my own dinero.”
Amidst echoes of applause, she acknowledged those who illuminated her journey, including her manager Rebeca León and her new familia at Republic Records. With their support, she’s redefined her career, marking a powerful reset that brought us "Funk Generation," released this past April 26. Featuring collaborations with artists like Sam Smith and Bad Gyal, this album is a celebration of resilience, crafted after overcoming a series of health scares.
Speaking on facing mortality and seizing each día with gusto, Anitta shared with Variety, “Now I appreciate life so much. I thought I was going to die. And if I did, I wanted to be sure I left behind a body of work that truly represented me and the sounds I love.” This realization lit a renewed spark in her—“Death, and the fact that we don’t know what tomorrow holds, make me feel the most alive. Now, I want to try something that makes me feel like an artist again.”
And there you have it, mi gente, Anitta isn't just creating música; she's crafting her legacy, a vibrant tapestry of sounds and souls that continues to inspire and transform, proving once again that la vida no tiene límites when you dare to dream big. ¡Qué viva Anitta y qué viva la música!
