Rio Baile Funk - Favela Rap 2005-2023

From Baile Funk to the Black Parties

Despised by the Elite, the carioca Funk - born in the favelas and suburbs - conquested all Brazil; Thousands of youngsters risk their life each week to participate in Baile Funk; more than a rhythm and music, the Baile Funk allows for a generation of cariocas to perform a lifestyle, and express their identity statement and shake the traditional relationship between dominant/dominated through the music and lyrics. Bailes are also a unique place for social mix, where the classes are abolished, even if it’s only for one night!

My photographs concentrate specifically on the funk carioca parties (Bailes) that have taken place in the suburban clubs & favelas in and around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The portfolios portray the key components of Baile Funk culture: the mix of tension & attraction that the danced choreography allows, the invention of the Funkeiro body & fashion, the DJs & MCs, the sound systems and the parties themselves.

Life in the favelas is oftentimes publicized for its violence and crime; theses photographs gives a rarely documented insight into this massive underground culture that has suffered decades of prohibition & discrimination, in a context of violent death for Afro-Brazilian youth and systemic racism that has not been deconstructed by successive governmentsBeyond music & parties, Baile Funk is an identity statement of the Afro-Brazilians & a fight for cultural rights.
Bailes were maybe the largest informal social project of Rio, as thousands of families used to make a living from the money generated by the hundreds of weekly Bailes - but now most of them are forbidden in the so-called "pacified" favelas.

In the last 5 years, in a context of constant repression of bailes funk by the military police and shrinking spaces for parties in the favelas - a generation of young Afro-Brazilian producers reinvented the night of Rio.
The parties (“Festas Pretas”) : Batekoo - Yolo Love Party - Baile do Amor among others take place most often in popular clubs in the northern zone or the port region, these festivals are as much a celebration of identity, fashion & diversity. Big, skinny, trans, gay, women - all bodies and identities have their place and reigns the refusal of any racism and discrimination, the absolute respect of the expression of each.

They are ephemeral spaces-times like dystopias of present-day Brazil, where one can heal one's soul of the insults suffered daily and regain strength to continue the fight.

Vincent Rosenblatt

Rio Baile Funk / Rio Night Fever

7AM. Dismounting the soudsystem Pitbull - Boladinho after the "baile funk” on the top of the favela Morro dos Prazeres. Rio de Janeiro 2007.

Preparation - assembling a soundsystem for the "Rio Parada Funk" giant yearly party, for once in the traditional district of Lapa, Center of Rio de Janeiro.

Roadies assembling a soudsystem for the "Rio Parada Funk" (Rio Funk Parade 2014) inside the Sambodromo.

Baile Funk at Boqueirão club, Rio de Janeiro. Soundsystem Furacão Gigante, 2008. || Baile Funk au Clube do Boquerão, Rio de Janeiro. Equipe de som (soundsystem) Furacão Gigante, 2008.

FURIA - the new Curtisomrio team soundsystem. After two years of eclipse, Curtisomrio rebirth as a phenix at the club Boqueirão do passeio, center of Rio de Janeiro. || Après deux années d'absence, l'équipe Curtisomrio renaît avec la FURIA sa nouvelle "Equipe de Som" au club Boquerão.

Shadows of the "Funkeiros" enjoying the Baile Funk with the Chatubão Digital soundsystem & DJ Byano performing at the Fazenda F.C club in São João do Miriti, suburb of Rio de Janeiro, 2011

A young funkeira, member of the "Bonde das Capetinhas" - "the little devils' band" . She won't miss any baile funk of the Lins' complex of favelas. This picture : Baile in the favela Morro da Gamba, Northern area of Rio de Janeiro, with DJ Pernalonga's soundsystem. .© Vincent Rosenblatt / Agencia Olhares

Young man dressed up as a "Favela warrior" for the Carnival, Rio de Janeiro 2011 // Jovem fantasiado de "Soldado do Morro" no Carnaval 2011.

Rio Baile Funk

Baile of Curtisomrio soundsystem, at Club Mourisco, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. "Swingue" interval in the middle of the Funk ball: north-american slows or samba-pagode allow the "funkeiros" a more romantic dance...

"Baile" at the club Boquerão, downtown, Rio de Janeiro 2006. In the heat of the "baile", boys will often drop take off their T-shirt. But to draw attention, choreographic inventivity and body movements will make the difference!

Daiane, aka "Mulher Jaca", then a dancer of "Bonde da Loira" group, shows her bikini marks.

A "Funkeira" in a trance. Baile of Furacão Tsunami soundsystem , one of the most powerful on the Carioca funk scene. Campo do Ferroviario, Austin, Rio de Janeiro 2006.

Description/Caption: "Baile" of Furacão Tsunami, the most powerful soundsystem on the Funk scene in Rio. Club Boqueirão, downtown Rio de Janeiro . Every hand gesture has a meaning : 3 fingers apart mean "Vida louca" (crazy life), the C and V letters symbolize the Commando Vermelho, the principal drug faction in Rio's favelas.

Daiane, then a dancer of "Bonde da Loura", known under the nickname "Mulher Jaca" (Jaca : a tropical fruit) performing during a Baile funk in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro's suburbs. Numerous MCs perform with female or male dancers who sometimes give a hint of a strip tease.

Baile Funk in the Castelo favela in Rio das Pedras, western area of Rio de Janeiro. This young "funkeira" is only 12 years old, but going out to the Baile is the most awaited moment in her week. .

Yolo Love Party - Bento Ribeiro - north zone of Rio de Janeiro, 2017.

During a ball of Soundsystem CurtisomRio at Boqueirão club , Rio de Janeiro. Funk balls, apart from the favelas, have other places in the city. where the liberty is different. The police watch the politically incorrect rap texts. Balls might be prohibited if the texts exceed the limits, beeing to sexually or warlike explicits. In spite of the limited freedom of speech, there is a greater freedom of acts : flirting, kissing, caressing...This is Rio and everyone can try one's luck.

Rio Baile Funk

"Perversos" show at the Boqueirão "baile". Their choreographies end up with the beginning of a strip tease, which turns girls into frenzy. The male dancers are snatched by the girls who will try and undress, kiss or touch them. Rio de Janeiro.

Tamiris & Sidney, funkeiros at the Baile of the Boquerão do Passeio club, with the soundsystem Curtisomrio, downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Baixinha

Elaine aka “Baixinha” - Santa Marta favela, Rio de Janeiro 2005.

Funk ball in Belford Roxo, near Rio de Janeiro. This funk dancer is using a rose, symbol of the boys band "The Don Juans", famous for their romantic raps..

Don Juan

Baile Funk at the Boqueirão club in the center of Rio de Janeiro. Aside from the fenetic beat of the soundsystem, couples can enjoy a "Swingue" interval in the middle of the Funk : north-american slows or samba-pagode allow the "funkeiros" a more romantic dance...

Ester, model, Yolo Love Party - Pedra de Sal, Rio de Janeiro 2020/

MC Gorila, from the Gorila & Preto duet, getting his breath back after their show. Gorila & Preto represent the "Funk Comedia" movement, distinguishing themselves from other warlike and sensual raps. Gorila & Preto live in the Rocinha slum and they add humor and self-mockery to sensual raps. Clube Ita Show, Itaborai, Rio de Janeiro state..

Fabricia, 12 , at the Baile Charme Hip Hop in Nilopolis, Rio de Janeiro..

Zulu Gregorio, urban dancer & tattoo artist. Batekoo x Jamaicaxias party at Vila Mimosa, North Zone, Rio de Janeiro - May 2017.

Baile Funk in the favela Morro de Salgueiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2006. A 14 years old funkeira..

Baile Funk in the favela Morro dos Prazeres, in the borough of Santa Teresa. During the filming of "Favela on Blast".

"Baile" of Furacão Tsunami, the most powerful soundsystem on the Funk scene in Rio. Campo do Ferroviario, Austin, Rio de Janeiro 2006.

Soundsystem Curtisomrio Boladona, Ball at the Boqueirão club, Rio de Janeiro. || Equipe de son Curtisomrio Boladona, baile du Boquerão, Rio de Janeiro.

A funkeiro, at the Baile of the soundsystem Furacão Tsunami, the most powerful on the Carioca Funk scene. Campo do Ferroviario, Austin, Rio de Janeiro..As a contrast to rap the "baile funk" in the favela is a stage for discipline and respect, being a girl or a boy, a dancer or a junkie. It's a moment of dignity, pride, collective choreographic creations.

Flavia, a Funkdancer, waits for the van which will take her on tour to the bailes funk (Funk balls). Vila Cruzeiro, Rio de Janeiro..

Two friends. Baile of the Curtisomrio soundsystem at the club Nilopolitano, suburb of Rio de Janeiro.

A funkeiros' boys band ("Os Feras" - The beasts) during a baile in Favela da Gamba, Complexo do Lins, Northern zone, Rio de Janeiro 2009. Many times, the show ends with a hint of a strip tease, under the girls'cheers..

Boy proudly dances with his money (200 R$ = 110 USD$) in hand at the Baile Funk of the Fazenda F.C. in São João do Meriti - suburb of Rio de Janeiro, with the soundsystem Chatubão Digital. // Rapaz orgulhoso ostenta e dança com o seu dinheiro (200 R$) a vista de todos, no Baile Funk do Fazenda F.C. em São João do Meriti com a Equipe Chatubão Digital.

Thaís - Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Slick, Rap singer- Vidigal favela, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Mister Catra, godfather of funk carioca. During a break between two shows , Catra shows the takings of the night..

Rio Baile Funk

Mr Catra's hand, Godfather of funk carioca, at the Whiskeria Paris cafe, famous brothel in the borough of Recreio, in the Western area of Rio de Janeiro. Every week, the Whiskeria invites the biggest Funk stars to make a show..

Baile Funk in a creche of favela Vila Cruzeiro, Complexo da Penha, Rio de Janeiro..

Baile do Castelo, Rio das Pedras, Rio de Janeiro . This ball of the western area of Rio de Janeiro is well known for its social diversity : from the "playboys" from Barra neighborhood to the slum's inhabitants... In this extended favela, drug trafficking doesn't exist because it is controlled by a paramilitary militia. In a city where social classes are divided and where whole territories are controlled by drug traffickers or militias, the Funk carioca movement, enables for the time of a "baile" to forget differences

Yara Leal, urban dancer, Heavy Baile party - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Gracy, funkeira from Santo Amaro slum, on the dancefloor of club Boqueirão, at a ball organized by Curtisomrio soundsystem, downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Stefany, dread maker & design student; Heavy Baile - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Rio Night Fever

Jessica - Hair Stylist & model at Batekoo party, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro 2016.

Funkeiro at the baile of favela Arvore Seca, New Year's eve 2009..

Baile at Morro do Andarai, Rio de Janeiro 2006. As a contrast to rap the "baile funk" in the favela is a stage for discipline and respect, being a girl or a boy, a dancer or a junkie. It's a moment of dignity, pride collective choreographic creations .No boy will approach a girl during a ball unless invited. The explicit lyrics of the "baile" contrast with the absence of vulgarity, the beauty of gestures, dance movements.

Ball at the Morro do Cantagalo, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. As a contrast to rap the "baile funk" in the favela is a stage for discipline and respect, being a girl or a boy, a dancer or a junkie. It's a moment of dignity, pride, collective choreographic creations No boy will approach a girl during a ball unless invited. The explicit lyrics of the "baile" contrast with the absence of vulgarity, the beauty of gestures, dance steps.

Baile Funk in the favela of Guararapes, down the Corcovado, in the Cosme Velho district, zona sul do Rio de Janeiro.

Scene taken during the recording of "Vira a Cara" video music by DJ Leo Justi / Heavy Baile at Vila Mimosa, a popular red light district - featuring Massengo Jr, dancer from the underground scene of Rio de Janeiro.

Batekoo x Jamaicaxias party at Vila Mimosa, North Zone, Rio de Janeiro - May 2017.

Two members of the boys band "Os Teimosos" ("the nasty boys") -natives of the favela Fallet in the borough of Santa Teresa- at the Baile organized in the hall of samba school Vizinha Faladeira, downtown old Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, the Samba places usually house Bailes Funk, out of the Carnaval's season. The sambistas remember that 50 years ago, it was their music which was then despised and criminalised..

Cesanne, dread maker and model, at the Yolo Love Party x Puff Puff Bass - Fundição Progresso - Lapa - Rio de Janeiro.

Late Lacraia ("centipede"), dancer and transvestite, was famous for her duo work with MC Serginho, from the favela Jacarézinho : after years touring bailes Funk, they even used to present newcomer artists on TV. Lacraia was without doubt the most rapid and supple Funk dancer on the Carioca scene. Photo: Lacraia putting on her make up before entering the stage at club Nova Show in São Gonçalo. He died of TB in 2011.

Baile Funk in the favela Arvore Seca, Rio de Janeiro. Arvore Seca's Baile, among the favelas of the Complexo do Lins, is one of the most notorious of Rio de Janeiro. Aside from the fenetic beat of the soundsystem, couples can enjoy a "Swingue" interval in the middle of the Funk : north-american slows or samba-pagode allow the "funkeiros" a more romantic dance...

Jonathan "Negueba" Santos & Ronald Sheick - Funk & Passinho dancers - Heavy Baile - Circo Voador - Lapa - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Rafaela & Katiany, urban & funk dancers, Carnaval 2020 - Bloco da Yolo - Pedra de Sal, Rio de Janeiro.

"Baile" at the Fazenda F.C, in São João do Meriti - suburb of Rio de Janeiro. In the heat of the "baile", boys will often drop take off their T-shirt. But to draw the girl's attention, choreographic inventivity and steps will make the difference! Homo-erotism is often part of the seduction game

Massengo & Isabelly - urban dancers & models at the Black Lux party - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Yolo Love Party - Clube 4 linhas - Bento Ribeiro, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Two sisters attend the Baile in the favela Mineira, Rio de Janeiro..As a contrast to rap the "baile funk" in the favela is a stage for discipline and respect, being a girl or a boy, a dancer or a junkie. It's a moment of dignity, pride, collective choreographic creations .No boy will approach a girl during a ball unless invited. The explicit lyrics of the "baile" contrast with the absence of vulgarity, the beauty of gestures, dance movements. .

Ball at the Morro do Cantagalo, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. As a contrast to rap the "baile funk" in the favela is a stage for discipline and respect, being a girl or a boy, a dancer or a junkie. It's a moment of dignity, pride, collective choreographic creations .No boy will approach a girl during a ball unless invited. The explicit lyrics of the "baile" contrast with the absence of vulgarity, the beauty of gestures, dance movements.

"Baile" of Glamorosa soundsystem in the favela Arvore Seca, Rio de Janeiro. Arvore Seca's Baile, among the favelas of the Complexo do Lins, was one of the most notorious of Rio de Janeiro.

Funkeiros. Baile Funk on sunday night at Club 18, in the borough of Olaria, by the entry of the Complexo do Alemão's favelas.

Baile do Castelo, Rio das Pedras, Rio de Janeiro . This ball of the western area of Rio de Janeiro is well known for its social diversity : from the "playboys" from Barra neighborhood to the slum's inhabitants... In this extended slum, drug trafficking doesn't exist because it is controlled by a paramilitary militia. In a city where social classes are divided and where whole territories are controlled by drug traffickers or militias, the Funk carioca movement, enables for the time of a "baile" to forget differences..

Rio Baile Funk

Suellen Santos & Roberta Petraglia, 16 & 13 y-o, dancers from the girlsband "As Desejadas", after a show in their district of Pavuna, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio Baile Funk

Mythical ball in the favela Chatuba, Complexo da Penha. The favela Chatuba is famous for having resisted to the assault of the Military Police for weeks, it also hosts one of the most famous and crowded bailes funk of Rio de Janeiro. As a song says, it's the "Maracan„ of Funk", comparing the Baile to the city's biggest football stadium. The soundsystem is named after the favela: the "Chatub„o Digital", is commanded by DJ Byano, one of the best in town, also famous for the quality of the funks he produces and their "roots" sound. || Baile mythique de la favela de Chatuba, Complexo da Penha. Connues pour avoir rÈsistÈ des semaines victorieusement aux assauts de la police militaire, la favela de Chatuba abrite aussi un des plus connu et bondÈ des Bailes Funk de Rio de Janeiro. Comme dit une musique, c'est le "Maracan„ do Funk", comparant le Baile au plus grand stade de foot de la ville, et d'AmÈrique Latine. L'equipe de son porte le nom de la favela : c'est le "Chatub„o Digital", commandÈ par DJ Byano, un des meilleurs de la ville, connu aussi pour la qualitÈ et le son "roots" des funks qu'il produit.

Rio Baile Funk

The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : the boys will use their shaved heads as a screen. Fluorescent white Batman, short cut red hair, or a cut out name as to attract the girls' attention and assert oneself. Baile at club Eden, Belford Roxo, suburb of Rio de Janeiro.

Ezequias, model & event producer. Yolo Love Party x Puff Puff Bass - Fundição Progresso, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Pendant representing a deceased friend. Baile Funk in Morro do Turano slum. Rio de Janeiro, 2006..The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : The boys show off their muscles and naked torsos, adorned with chains and tattoos, accessories which will make the difference during the ball. Girls will look after their bikini marks, which will appear above mini-skirts or micro-shorts. Everything is worth to draw attention! .

Baby Perigosa, aspirant Funk carioca singer & dancer. Heavy Baile, Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Submachine gun pendant , Baile of Curtisomrio soundsystem, downtown Rio de Janeiro. A hint to the omnipresence of weapons on favelas' territory..The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : the boys try and identify themselves to the gangs' "warriors" who dominate Rio's favelas as to attract the girls' attention and assert oneself..

Aika Cortez / Aika 47 - Rap singer at the Bloco da Yolo - Carnival 2019 - Centro - Rio de Janeiro 2019.

MC Ombrinho, a young funk singer from the favela Turano, had his hair cut and dyed with the Puma sneakers' logo. Baile atclub Boqueirão, Downtown Rio de Janeiro. The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : the boys will use their shaved heads as a screen. Fluorescent white Batman, short cut red hair, or a cut out name as to attract the girls' attention and assert oneself.

Funk Body

Sabrina Ginga, Baile Funk & Samba dancer from Salgueiro Samba school; also part of the Heavy Baile group. Rio de Janeiro, 2018.

Vitoria Nago

Pure seduction" tattooed on the back of a "funkeira", at the Baile of the favela Morro do Fogueteiro. Rio de Janeiro.The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : The boys show off their muscles and naked torsos, adorned with chains and tattoos, accessories which will make the difference during the ball. Girls will look after their bikini marks, which will appear above mini-skirts or micro-shorts. Everything is worth to draw attention!

Funk Body

Jonathan "Negeba" Santos, Passinho & Funk carioca dancer, with a boombox pendant. Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Vitoria Nago

Jéssica Maurice - hair stylist - Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2017

Camilla Castellare - tattoo artist at the Bloco da Yolo - Carnival 2019 - Centro - Rio de Janeiro

Giant heart pendant Baile Funk in Morro do Andaraí. zona norte, Rio de Janeiro, 2011..The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : The boys show off their muscles and naked torsos, adorned with chains and tattoos, accessories which will make the difference during the ball. Girls will look after their bikini marks, which will appear above mini-skirts or micro-shorts. Everything is worth to draw attention! .

Stefany Silva

Maria Rita - Alma Rude (Rude Soul) - City of God favela, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Baile of soundsystem Curtisomrio, Boqueirão Club, Downtown Rio de Janeiro. "Swingue" interval in the middle of the Funk ball: north-american slows or samba-pagode allow the "funkeiros" a more romantic dance.

Baile Funk in the favela Arvore Seca, Rio de Janeiro. Arvore Seca's Baile, among the favelas of the Complexo do Lins, was one of the most notorious of Rio de Janeiro. The recent"pacified" favela has no more baile.

Waleska - art history student at Batekoo party - Porto Lab - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Batekoo x Jamaicaxias party at Vila Mimosa party , North Zone, Rio de Janeiro - May 2017

Baile do Castelo, Rio das Pedras, Rio de Janeiro . This ball of the western area of Rio de Janeiro is well known for its social diversity : from the "playboys" from Barra neighborhood to the slum's inhabitants... In this extended slum, drug trafficking doesn't exist because it is controlled by a paramilitary militia. In a city where social classes are divided and where whole territories are controlled by drug traffickers or militias, the Funk carioca movement, enables for the time of a "baile" to forget differences

Jayson, funkeiro at the baile of Favela Central in São Gonçalo.The Funk carioca movement is fashion and look as well : The boys show off their muscles and naked torsos, adorned with chains and tattoos, accessories which will make the difference during the ball. Girls will look after their bikini marks, which will appear above mini-skirts or micro-shorts. Everything is worth to draw attention! .

Baile Funk in the favela Arvore Seca, Rio de Janeiro. Arvore Seca's Baile, among the favelas of the Complexo do Lins, was one of the most notorious of Rio de Janeiro.

Vanessa & Eliza, kissing during Carnival 2020 - Bloco da Yolo - Pedra de Sal, Rio de Janeiro.

Waleska & Fernanda - Yolo Love Party - São Cristovão - North Zone of Rio de Janeiro

"Funkeira" at the Ramos Social Clube, close to the Complexo do Alemão's favelas, Rio de Janeiro 2009. In the heat of the "baile".

Charme dancers at the Baile do Viaduto de Madureira - North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Jessica - hair stylist & Robson - actor & fitness model - kiss at the Samba com o Trem party - Santa Teresa - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Jonathan & Waleska - Yolo Love Party x Puff Puff Bass Fundição Progresso - Lapa - Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Urban dancers, favela of Borel, Tijuca, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Hug after the shooting of "Me Solta" video music by MC Nego do Borel.

6 in the morning, the "baile" is ending in the Cantagalo favela, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. || Fin du Baile, 6h du matin, dans la favela du Cantagalo, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.

Plugs & connections of a soudsystem, in Baile Funk of the favela Vidigal, zona sul of Rio de Janeiro

Rio Baile Funk

Dancers' shadows on the speakers. "Os Sedutores", a boys' band from Jacare, a favela in Rio's North area, are performing at the "baile" of the favela Boca do Mato. For those boys' bands, to enter the Funk scene represents an opportunity to get a living and win the esteem of tens of thousands of "funkeiros", to succeed beyond the fatality of drug trafficking or miserable wages.

Desmounting the soundsystem "A Coisona" ("The Big Thing") after the Baile Funk on sunday night at Club 18, in the borough of Olaria, by the entry of the Complexo do Alemão's favelas. || Démontage de l'équipe de son "A Coisona" ("La Grande Chose) après le Baile Funk du dimanche soir, au Club 18, dans le quartier d'Olaria, à l'entrée des favelas du Complexo do Alemão..

The carioca Funk movement is fashion and look as well : the boys will use their shaved heads as a screen. Here a designed brick wall evokes the favela's architecture. Everything is worth to attract the girls' attention!

Rio Baile Funk

The late DJ Pernalonga, favela Boca do Mato, Complexo do Lins, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio Baile Funk

“Rio Baile Funk” Slideshow into the baile of the favela of the Morro do São João, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.. After years documenting Baile Funk in the whole city - I started to show it back in the place where the work was done.

Slideshow in Santa Marta

Projection of the photographic series "Rio Baile Funk" during a "Funk event, in favela Santa Marta, South area of Rio de Janeiro. After years documenting and photographing the bailes funk (funk balls), it seemed only fair to show this work where it actually took place..

Rio Baile Funk

Slideshow "Rio Baile Funk" - work by Vincent Rosenblatt in the district of Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Rio Baile Funk

Slideshow "Rio Baile Funk" in the favela Margem da Linha, in Campos, Rio de Janeiro state.

Rio Baile Funk

Slideshow "Rio Baile Funk" in the favela Margem da Linha, in Campos, Rio de Janeiro state.

Revelhão no morro da Arvore Seca, Complexo do Lins, Rio de Janeiro. // New year's eve 2009 in the Complexo do Lins' favelas, Northern Area of Rio. Far from the beaches and Copacabana, the favelas treat themselves to their own fireworks.

A sudden fog, coming from the sea, appears and covers the borough of Flamengo : on the foreground, the favela Santo Amaro..

Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro 2007. The biggest slum in Rio, located in the heart of the city's richest areas : São Conrado, Gavea and Barra da Tijuca. There are at least 4 baile each weekend.

A young couple in the favela Morro dos Prazeres, in the Santa Teresa borough. aside from the Baile Funk happening in the near ... at least 500 persons have been dancing all night on the top of the hill..

Rio Baile Funk

Morro dos Prazeres, Rio de Janeiro 2007

Jonathan « Neguebites » Santos, funk & passinho dancer chatting with Jessica Maurice - model & hair designer at the Viaduto de Madureira, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, 2017.

Funk on the rooftops. Elaine, Cris, Aninha & Dani, of the "Tchutchucas" band, are rehearsing their new choreography on the rooftop of Elaine's house in the Vila Cruzeiro favela, Rio de Janeiro. Their spicy rap responds to the MCs'macho attitude.

Bonde do Quebra

Vitor Hugo, Diego, Anderson and Heverton, "Muleks 100 limits" ("boys without limits") are training on the rooftop of Diego's house, on the heights of Mangueira favela . They rehearse almost every day, and perfect their choreographies, hoping to have success on the carioca funk scene and get a better life. Down the hill, the Maracanã stadium.

Rio Baile Funk

"Muleks 100 limits" ("boys without limits") are training on a rooftop, in the heights of Mangueira favela . They rehearse almost every day, and perfect their choreographies, hoping to have success on the carioca funk scene and get a better life. Down the hill, the Maracanã stadium.

Rio Baile Funk

Os Hawaianos - famous funk boys-band on rehearsal in City of God favela.

Celly IDD - the most renowned female dancer from “Passinho” funk dance.. Rehearsal of the show "Na Batalha" on a rooftop of the Complexo do Alemão favelas. Elite dancers of the "Passinho" (little step) the newest dance fiever that came out the Baile Funk culture.

Rio Baile Funk

Celly and Fabio - passinho & funk dancers.

Passinho dancer - on the rooftop of the Vila Cruzeiro favela - Complexo da Penha, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Shooting of the video music « Grelinho de Diamante » by Heavy Baile.

MC Baby Perigosa & Ronald Sheick - passinho dancer - on the rooftop of the Vila Cruzeiro favela - Complexo da Penha, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Shooting of the video music « Grelinho de Diamante » by Heavy Baile.

Oz Crias - Pablinho Fantastico, Diogo Breguete, Yuri Misterpassista, WB Negao - shooting their videomusic « Passinho dos Crias » in the favela of Cantagalo - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Oz Crias - Pablinho Fantastico, Diogo Breguete, Yuri Misterpassista, WB Negao - shooting their videomusic « Passinho dos Crias » in the favela of Cantagalo - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro 2021.© Vincent Rosenblatt

Mounting the Kamikaze soundsystem, Morro do Tuiuti, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Urban dancers, Morro do Tuiuti, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Johny, Billy & Yann, urban dancers, Morro do Tuiuti, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Suellen, Jeniffer Cristhine, Janaina & Larissa, urban dancers performing for the video music « No passinho tu vai que vai » of Os 22 do Passinho boys band at the favela Morro do Borel, North Zone, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Os 22 do Passinho - dancers from Sao Gonçalo performing for their video music « No passinho tu vai que vai » at the favela Morro do Borel, North Zone, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Funk Slideshows : showing the work where is was made

Olhares do Morro - Santa Marta

Slide show of the cultural association Olhares do Morro on the walls of the houses in Santa Marta, favela in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro.. ||.Projeção das fotos da ONG Olhares do Morro nos muros da favela Santa Marta, zona sul do Rio de Janeiro. 2005.

Olhares do Morro - Santa Marta

Slideshow "Rio Baile Funk" © Vincent Rosenblatt during festival Favela Sounds in Brasilia, 2017

Slideshow "Rio Baile Funk" - work by Vincent Rosenblatt in the district of Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Funk Body - the fashion of the Funk Carioca & the Afro-Brazilian youth

Funk Body

Camila, model & hair designer at « Ressakinha » - a small « Festa Preta » (Black Party) organized in a house of Bento Ribeiro, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Daiane, aka "Mulher Jaca". Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro 2006.

Lilian, arquitect & dancer, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Mayara Ortega, model, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Funk Body

Sabrina Ginga, Baile Funk & Samba dancer from Salgueiro Samba school; also part of the Heavy Baile group. Rio de Janeiro, 2018.

Jéssica Maurice - hair stylist - Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2017

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Funk Body

Jonathan "Negeba" Santos, Passinho & Funk carioca dancer, with a boombox pendant. Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Thaynara - funk dancer from Rocinha

Mr Catra's hand, Paris Café, RIo de Janeiro 20017

Thaynara, funk dancer from Rocinha favela, 2019

Marcelly aka Celly IDD - Passinho & Funk dancer, Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Maria Rita - Alma Rude (Rude Soul) - City of God favela, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Thaís - Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Thaynara - funk dancer from Rocinha

Baby Perigosa, aspirant Funk carioca singer & dancer. Heavy Baile, Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Aika Cortez / Aika 47 - Rap singer at the Bloco da Yolo - Carnival 2019 - Centro - Rio de Janeiro 2019.

Mayara Ortega, model, Rio de Janeiro 2021.

Letícia - graphic designer

Agatta Chrystie, geography student from Sao Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Milly Mee - make up artist - Baile do Amor - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, 2018.

Agatta Chrystie, geography student from Sao Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Cariny Lima, aspiring actress. Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Agatta Chrystie, geography student from Sao Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Vitória Nago, dancer & coreographer, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Stars spangled shorts, Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

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Kauan aka KN Dancy, Bate-bola from the Complexo da Quiririm group, Vila Valqueira, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro, 2023.

Muse Maya, singer & actress. Galeria da Gavea, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro 2020.

Oberdan, model & body builder from Vidigal at pre-Carnaval party - Bloco da Yolo - Pedra de Sal, Center, Rio de Janeiro 2020.

Thay - Zona Norte. King Cobra tattoo.

Camilla Castellare - tattoo artist at the Bloco da Yolo - Carnival 2019 - Centro - Rio de Janeiro

Stefany - hair stylist, Rio de Janeiro 2018

Ezequias, model & event producer. Fundição Progresso, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Camera Wings tattoo, Yolo Love Party, Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Cinara, model, Yolo Love Party - Engenho de Dentro, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro 2019.

Alice aka Slick, Rap singer (Abronca) - Vidigal favela, Rio de Janeiro 2017.

Savanah, Funk MC & dancer with a Suzuh Collection bikini.

Hellena, urban dancer, at the Baile do Tio Will, a Black Party in Madureira, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro - 12/09/2021.

Kaws MC, at the Baile do Bandido Sensível, a Back party in Bento Ribeiro, Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro - 12/09/2021.

Thaynara - funk dancer from Rocinha

Agatta Chrystie, geography student from Sao Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Erwin, Capoeira & MMA artist, Yolo Love Party, Rio de Janeiro 2018.

Agatta Chrystie, geography student from Sao Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, 2021.

Funk Body

Funk Body series at Espace Michel Simon - November 2016 - France

Rio Baile Funk - Favela Rap 2005-2023

From Baile Funk to the Black Parties

Rio Baile Funk / Rio Night Fever

Funk Slideshows : showing the work where is was made

Funk Body - the fashion of the Funk Carioca & the Afro-Brazilian youth

Selected Publications :

Selected TV's & interviews :