Jingle Político

Marcelo Adnet's song "Jingle Político" is a biting satire of the typical political campaign in Brazil. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, Adnet exposes the superficiality and manipulation often present in political advertising. The song opens with a diverse cast of characters—a black actor, an indigenous person, a woman from Santa Catarina, and a Japanese child—each symbolizing the candidate's attempt to appear universally loved and inclusive. This is a common tactic in political campaigns, where candidates try to appeal to a broad demographic by showcasing diversity.

The lyrics then delve into the performative nature of political acts. The candidate signs a fake decree, rolls up his sleeves to appear relatable, and eats street food to connect with the common people. These actions are meticulously staged to create an image of a down-to-earth, approachable leader. The candidate's tour through the periphery in a pick-up truck, waving like a messiah, further underscores the theatricality of his campaign. He is surrounded by advisors and a fake wife, while his real romantic interest is hidden in plain sight, adding a layer of personal deceit to the political charade.

Adnet also highlights the exploitation and manipulation of ordinary people in these campaigns. Extras are paid a meager sum to wave flags and pretend to care, while the candidate hugs random people and kisses babies for photo ops. The song crescendos with a chorus of adults singing in childlike voices, a tactic to evoke emotional responses from the audience. The final verses reveal the ultimate deceit: a computer-generated image of the candidate with his running mate, who he has never even met. The repeated plea to remember the candidate's number, despite his past corruption, encapsulates the song's critique of the cyclical and often corrupt nature of political campaigns.