Samba-Enredo 2022 - Waranã, a Reexistência Vermelha
G.R.E.S. Unidos da Tijuca (RJ)
The Resilient Spirit of Waranã: A Celebration of Indigenous Heritage
The song 'Samba-Enredo 2022 - Waranã, a Reexistência Vermelha' by G.R.E.S. Unidos da Tijuca is a vibrant celebration of indigenous heritage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Mawé people. The lyrics invite the listener to embrace the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Amazonian forest, symbolized by the Waranã (guaraná), a sacred plant for the indigenous communities. The repeated invocation of 'Erê'—a term often used to refer to a playful child spirit in Afro-Brazilian religions—sets a tone of innocence and joy, urging the listener to reconnect with nature and the sweetness of life, represented by 'doce mel' (sweet honey).
The song weaves a narrative that blends mythology and reality, highlighting the dual forces of Tupana and Yurupari, which represent the balance of good and evil. This balance is further illustrated through the story of Kahu’ê, a joyful child whose brief life is marred by malice but ultimately symbolizes the resilience and rebirth of the indigenous spirit. The lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of good, as Kahu’ê is reborn, his joyful eyes symbolizing the eternal triumph of positivity and resilience.
The imagery of the forest, the stones that could speak, and the beauty enjoyed by the brothers paints a picture of a harmonious existence that is threatened by external greed and destruction. However, the song is ultimately a message of hope and resistance. The reference to the 'force Mawé' and the flourishing of the guaraná people despite adversity underscores the theme of reexistence—a term that combines resistance and existence, highlighting the ongoing struggle and survival of indigenous cultures. The song concludes with a powerful vision of love and nature prevailing over greed and destruction, encapsulating a message of hope and resilience for future generations.