Se Iludiu Com o Balanço do Negro

Mestre Pepeu Capoeira's song 'Se Iludiu Com o Balanço do Negro' is a powerful commentary on the misconceptions and underestimations faced by Black people, particularly within the context of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. The repeated line 'Se iludiu com balanço do negro, achando que é dança' (You were deceived by the Black man's sway, thinking it's just a dance) highlights how outsiders often misinterpret the movements of capoeira as mere dance, failing to recognize the skill, strategy, and strength behind it.

The phrase 'Pagou pra ver, achando que o negro é bobo mas ele é bambá' (You paid to see, thinking the Black man is foolish, but he is a master) further emphasizes this theme. It suggests that those who underestimate Black people, thinking them naive or simple, are in for a surprise. The term 'bambá' is a colloquial expression meaning someone who is highly skilled or a master at something, reinforcing the idea that the Black man is not to be underestimated.

The song also includes the proverb 'Nem tudo que reluz é ouro, nem tudo que balança cai' (Not everything that glitters is gold, not everything that sways falls), which serves as a metaphor for the deceptive appearances and the hidden depths of capoeira and, by extension, Black culture. Mestre Pepeu Capoeira's lyrics challenge listeners to look beyond superficial judgments and recognize the true value and strength within. The song concludes with a personal introduction, 'Eu me chamo Pepeu capoeira, estou aqui pra vadear' (My name is Pepeu Capoeira, I'm here to play), asserting his identity and pride in his art form.