fetiche

'fetiche', the fifth song on rapper Baco Exu do Blues' album of the same name, portrays a deep and explicit exploration of intimacy and desire. The lyrics describe a relationship full of eroticism and control, where the artist assumes the role of dominator, while his partner surrenders to his will. The narrative is full of sensual and provocative images, such as controlling the vibrator while his partner drives, and filming intimate moments, suggesting a dynamic of power and consensual submission.

In addition to the vivid metaphors and descriptions to convey the intensity of the relationship described throughout the lyrics, Jade Alcântara Lôbo, a PhD student in Anthropology at UFSC, recalls the historical and social context present in the song and on the album cover: "Venus Noir, King Kong, and Esu's Phallus are three great representations of fetishes. The first two present the perversion of the outrification of the 'I'. As racialized narratives of my 'self' are constructed, I lose the power to sign the story in the first name. Between the figures of the savage, the virile, the object of entertainment, desire and the hero of blackness, the essence of an authentic black plane of immanence is lost. (...) When European colonizers encountered the diversity of African culture, they coined the term 'fetish' to describe the representations of divinities they found in the form of objects or forces of nature. Later, the term 'fetish' was appropriated to designate the desire and attraction for specific parts of the body or for sexual practices that did not align with the norms of the time. These norms believed that the function of sex was exclusively for procreation and that there should not be an excessive focus on foreplay. Similarly, fetishism was characterized as a primitive phase of sexual life, just as African religions were considered inferior beliefs to European monotheistic religions. Thus, not only were the cults of African deities considered savage, but also the bodies and sexual practices of these peoples were seen as immoral and exotic."

In this way, the mention of the 'cordas no seu corpo de decoração' and the 'diamante no seu dedo' not only reinforces the idea of control and possession, but also of adornment and valorization of the partner, in contradiction to the narrative proposed by the colonizer. The lyrics also address the acceptance of kinks and desires, without judgment, promoting a vision of sexuality that is open and without taboos. In this new album, the rapper celebrates sexual freedom and authenticity, encouraging his partner to always express herself fully.

In addition, the song touches on themes of voyeurism and exhibitionism, as in the line 'enquanto a cidade te assiste', suggesting an excitement that arises from public exposure. Baco, known for his provocative lyrics, continues to challenge social norms and explore the complexity of human relationships. 'Fetish' is a song that invites the listener to reflect on the limits of desire and the importance of mutual acceptance in an intimate relationship, where only then can a truly honest relationship be achieved.