Quanto Vale?

Djambê's song 'Quanto Vale?' is a poignant and powerful commentary on the tragic environmental disaster that occurred in Mariana, Brazil, in 2015. The lyrics vividly describe the aftermath of the dam collapse, which released a torrent of toxic sludge into the Rio Doce, transforming it from a life-giving river into a deadly flow of mud. The repeated phrase 'Rio de lama, Doce, agora amargo' (River of mud, Sweet, now bitter) underscores the devastating transformation of the river and the irreversible damage done to the environment and local communities.

The song also serves as a scathing critique of corporate greed and corruption. The line 'E diga Vale, quanto vale a vida de alguém?' (And tell me Vale, how much is a life worth?) directly addresses the mining company Vale, which was responsible for the dam. Djambê questions the value placed on human lives and the environment in the face of profit-driven motives. The lyrics highlight the complicity of authorities and the media, suggesting that investigations and coverage were insufficient or biased due to financial influences.

Furthermore, 'Quanto Vale?' touches on broader themes of environmental degradation and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The song laments the countless animal lives lost and the long-term impact on the planet, referring to it as an 'eternal debt' to our home, Earth. Djambê's powerful message calls for reflection on our consumption habits and the true cost of industrial activities, urging listeners to consider the moral and ethical implications of their actions and the actions of corporations.