As we gear up for next summer's World Cup in Brazil 2014, we'll be taking moments to highlight some select Brazilian tracks that come across our desks. From capoeira music (an accompaniment to the sport) and maracatu to samba and the favela-bred baile funk, the influence of African cultures & sounds on the South American nation's own arts is immeasurable. In our series Afro-Brazil 2014 we'll be digging into a few of these 'ritmos e batidas' from Brazil.
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Longtime site favorites Buraka Som Sistema were literally the first group that came to mind when we heard the World Cup was going to be held in Brazil. We daydreamed about the multiple ways their blend of Lisbon, Angolan, and Brazilian street sounds could be used by a laundry list of advertisers to promote the world's hands-down best sports tournament. Well, here we are.
Adidas, an official FIFA partner, has tapped Buraka Som Sistema's new single "Bota" ("Boot") to promote their bright-colored cleats Samba Collection. The advertisement features some of the best players in the world, including Brazil/Barça's Dani Alves, Oscar, Mesut Özil, 'El Niño' Torres, and, of course, their crown brand ambassador Lionel Messi. The Buraka Som Sistema song coincidentally utilizes vocals from our first Afro-Brazil 2014 feature: Brazilian rapper Karol Conka. Watch "Bota" and our Okayafrica TV episode with Buraka Som Sistema below.
