Haiti (part. Caetano Veloso)

Emicida's song 'Haiti,' featuring the legendary Caetano Veloso, is a powerful commentary on social and racial injustices in Brazil. The song opens with Caetano Veloso's evocative imagery, describing a scene at the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, where black soldiers are seen brutalizing black, mulatto, and poor individuals. This stark portrayal highlights the systemic racism and classism that permeate Brazilian society, where even those who are slightly better off are treated with disdain and violence, just to demonstrate the hierarchy of oppression.

Emicida's verses delve deeper into the socio-political landscape, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary forms of oppression. He references the Largo, a place where slaves were once punished, now a site of cultural celebration, juxtaposing the past and present. The mention of Paul Simon and the 'lente do fantástico' (lens of the fantastic) suggests that no amount of international attention or artistic representation can truly capture the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Emicida emphasizes that true citizenship and equality are still out of reach for many.

The song also touches on environmental degradation and the hypocrisy of those in power. Emicida criticizes the destruction of natural resources by those who claim to be pious but act malevolently. He draws a parallel between the plight of indigenous people and the black community, likening their suffering to historical atrocities like Auschwitz. The recurring refrain, 'O Haiti é aqui' (Haiti is here), serves as a poignant reminder that the struggles faced by Haitians are mirrored in Brazil. The song calls for reflection and action, urging listeners to think about and pray for Haiti, symbolizing a broader call for social justice and human dignity.