Gustavo Pereira Marques (born 4 June 1994), better known by his artistic name Djonga, is a Brazilian rapper, singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential names currently on the Brazilian rap scene,[1] the artist has attracted attention for his direct and strongly worded lyrics with strong social criticisms. He frequently collaborates with producer Coyote Beatz.
Djonga | |
|---|---|
_(52438099357).jpg) Djonga in São Paulo in July 2022 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gustavo Pereira Marques |
| Born | June 4, 1994 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | vocals |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Ceia Ent. |
Biography
editBorn in the favela of Favela do Índio, in the city of Belo Horizonte,[2] Djonga was raised in the São Lucas and Santa Efigênia neighborhoods in the eastern region of the city.[3][4] He is the son of Ronaldo Marques and Rosângela Pereira Marques.[5][6] His grandmother Maria Eni Viana has been a great source of inspiration throughout his life.[5][7]
With a great deal of inspiration coming from his family, Djonga had taken a likening to music since his youth, having been raised on diverse musical genres and artists, from Milton Nascimento to Racionais MCs,[5] and from Cartola to Mariah Carey.[2] Djonga has asserted that he is strongly influenced by funk and samba. He has recalled that "Black culture is strong in my family, and so samba was always present at parties...When I became more conscious of what I really liked in relation to music, what I most identified with because of my generation was Brazilian funk. Funk always spoke my experiences to me."[8]
With time, he was taking to his musical inclinations, mainly for funk and rap. He only became more exposed to rap after his ex-girlfriend introduced him to the genre more. He was at the same time also being inspired by the works of Cazuza, Janis Joplin, Elis Regina, Elza Soares, Jimi Hendrix, MC Smith, Marcelo D2 and, above all, Mano Brown.[2] He studied history at the Federal University of Ouro Preto, but he decided to leave the university before graduation as his rap career began to take off.[9]
Djonga has participated in protests against racist violence towards Black people, participating in protests in Belo Horizonte after the killing of João Alberto Freitas at a Carrefour store in Porto Alegre in 2020. During the protests, he helped to occupy a local Carrefour store.[10] During the 2022 presidential elections, he voiced his support for and posed for photos with former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who ran and won against incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro.[11]
Career
edit2012–2016: Beginnings and Corpo Fechado
editHe began his career in a poetry collective called Sarau Vira-Lata. In the beginning, as he was graduating from secondary school in 2012, he frequented collectives to listen to poetry.[2] He began to be interested in writing poetry as a result. Following such, the rapper Hot Apocalypse invited him to join a group.[2] He also began to visit the studio of Chuck, also known as Oculto Beats, who produced a beat that Djonga made music to with a poem that he had written previously. This eventually became his first single, "Corpo Fechado".[2]
After collaborating with Coyote Beatz for a time, they produced the EP “Fechando o Corpo” with 7 tracks. Coyote Beatz would later become a frequent collaborator with Djonga. He began to become more well known after the release of the EP, with him receiving a proposal from DJ Hum to record. Together they made the track "Um Bom Maluco". With the release of the track, Djonga quickly began to make strides in the new rap scene.[2]
In 2016, Djonga and Hot created DV tribo and gathered other artists from Minas Gerais such as FBC, Clara Lima, Oreia (who formed Hot e Oreia with Hot) and Coyote Beatz to participate. The group gained notoriety after making a chord with the underground rap label Pirâmide Perdida. That same year, Bahian rapper Baco Exu do Blues invited Djonga to participate in the track “Sujismundo”. Later, the single "Redenção", released with the rapper Primata, he began to make new partnerships, such as with his participation in the song “Santana 89” by the stoner rock band Arqueologia Siderúrgica. At the end of 2016, he participated in Poetas no Topo 1 by Pineapple Storm TV, that reunited prominent MCs such as BK, Makalister, Menestrel and Sant.[12]
2017–2018: Heresia and O Menino que queria ser Deus
editOn 13 March 2017, Djonga launched his debut album "Heresia" to critical and public acclaim. In the album he makes strong criticisms against society at large and sends messages emphasizing Black empowerment.[13] The album was considered best of the year by Rolling Stone Brasil. The highlighted track, “O mundo é nosso”, made with the participation of Rio de Janeiro rapper BK, ran to win the Red Bull prize for best track of 2017, reaching 7th place.[14] For his notable work, Djonga was also nominated for the APCA (Associação Paulista de Críticos de Arte) prize.[15]
On the same day, on 13 March 2018, Djonga released his second album, titled O Menino queria ser Deus, that contains sharp lyrical questions around his personal life, career, and social and racial issues. The album contains 10 tracks with appearances by rappers such as Sant, Karol Conká and Hot,[16] with executive producers from Ceia Ent., production by Coyote Beatz and mixing and mastersounding by Arthur Luna. The album was primarily recording at Nebula Records studios.[17] The album was dubbed the 6th best Brazilian album in 2018 by Rolling Stone Brasil[18] and one of the 25 best Brazilian albums in the first half of 2018 by APCA.[19]
2019–2020: Ladrão and Histórias da Minha Área
editIn keeping with his tradition of releasing albums on 13 March, on 13 March 2019, Djonga released the album "Ladrão". The concept, clearly inspired by Robin Hood, points to the importance of valuing ones' roots, and not to forget where you came from; Djonga himself had written on his social media: "the type of thief that seeks and brings back for mine and by mine."[20] "Ladrão" reaffirms the promise of the music from the album to be a reference to one of the largest names in the rap scene of Belo Horizonte, and more than that, to show an artist with ample vision about social issues that surround Brazil, especially as they are related to Black people.
On 13 March 2020, Djonga launched the album "Histórias da Minha Área". In talking about his new album, he mentioned that he discussed some things from his past to his close friends, and also that he was certain that his recount of "his recount" is a microcosm of "areas all throughout Brazil".[21] Later in 2020, on 29 September, Djonga made history as the first Brazilian artist to be nominated for the BET Hip Hop Awards, being nominated during the 2020 award season for Best International Flow.[22] In the same year, he was nominated for best Brazilian act at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards.[23]
2020–present: Hiatus and new album releases
edit_(52439122953).jpg)
After a controversial show on 7 December 2020 and receiving widespread criticism, Djonga decided to limit posting on his social media, to the extent of deleting his Twitter, only returning on 10 March 2021 to announce his new album NU with a promotional teaster where he posted an image of himself in a guillotine set for him to be decapitated. Once again, on 13 March 2021, he launched his 5th consecutive studio album with 10 unpublished tracks.[24]
On 13 October 2022, he released his newest album, O Dono do Lugar, with 11 unreleased tracks. The album delves into society's oppressive expectations of masculinity, particularly as this relates to Black men, as well as with racism at large, family, and with the music industry.[25] He was nominated again at the 2022 MTV MIAW Awards Brazil in the Beat BR category.[26]
Controversies
editShow during the COVID-19 pandemic
editIn December 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rio de Janeiro, Djonga held a performance in the Vila do João neighborhood of the North Zone of Rio.[27] Videos of the rapper performing in front of crowds that were without masks and disregarding the protocols put forth by the World Health Organization circulated online. The performance sparked great backlash against Djonga, given the severity of the pandemic at the time in both Rio de Janeiro the city and the state.[28][29]
A series of tweets posted by Djonga's account attempted to defend himself against strong criticism. He began receiving a series of threats, as well as offensive and racist messages. Some commentators began to point out racist double standards tied to the ability for other non-Black artists such as Wesley Safadão to host a show with more than 40,000 people in Natal with considerably less backlash.[30]
Alleged assault against security
editOn 12 December 2021, Djonga became involved in controversy after allegedly assaulting security during the Copa do Brasil final. He asserted that he had assaulted them due to being the target of racism by said security staff.[31]
Discography
editStudio albums
editEPs
edit| Album | Details |
|---|---|
| Heresia |
|
| O Menino que Queria ser Deus |
|
| Ladrão |
|
| Histórias da Minha Área |
|
| NU |
|
| O Dono do Lugar |
|
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| “Fechando o Corpo” |
|
Singles
edit| Year | Song | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Corpo Fechado | ||
| Exceção | |||
| Redenção | |||
| O Bom Maluco | |||
| 2016 | Ge | ||
| Poetas no Topo | (Track) Pt. Makalister, BK', Menestrel, Sant, Jxnvs, Slim | ||
| 2017 | Geminiano | ||
| Lupa | (Prod. Velho Beats) | ||
| Olho de Tigre | |||
| Esquimó | |||
| Vazio | |||
| Ave Maria | Djonga, Leal and ADL | ||
| O Mundo é Nosso | Pt. BK | [32] | |
| Corre das Notas | |||
| Santa Ceia | |||
| 2018 | Poesia Acústica #4 - Todo Mundo Odeia Acústico | (Track) Pt. Bob, MV Bill, Froid, Azzy, Delacruz | |
| CORRA | pt. Paige, (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | [33] | |
| Me orienta | pt. Mc Rick | ||
| ATÍPICO | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| JUNHO DE 94 | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | [34] | |
| 1010 | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| SOLTO | pt.Hot, (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| UFA | pt. Sidoka and Sant, (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| ETERNO | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| Favela Vive 3 | (Track) pt. ADL, Choice, Menor do Chapa and Negra Li.
(Prod. Índio and Mortão) |
||
| A Música da Mãe | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| Yeah | with Zulu | ||
| 2019 | Nossa Que Isso | WCnoBeat part. Djonga, Karol Conká, MC Rogê, and MC Rebecca | |
| O Céu é o Limite | Devasto with BK', Emicida, Mano Brown, Djonga, Rincon Sapiência and Rael | [35] | |
| Deus e família | with Delano and MC Hariel | ||
| Recadin Pros Falador | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| 2020 | Sexta | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | |
| Gueto Feroz | with Ramonzin | ||
| Toda Semana | with Shevchenko and Elloco | ||
| Voz Ativa | with Dexter, Coruja Bc1, DJ Will and KL Jay | ||
| Caçador de Vacilão | with Industria del Amor | ||
| Oclin e Evoque | Tropa do Bruxom MC Rick and Sidoka | ||
| 2021 | Suíte 14 | with Sest | |
| Easy Money | (Prod. Coyote Beatz) | ||
| 2022 | Mil Motivos | with Mc Hariel |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nomination | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 MTV MIAW Awards Brazil | Feat. of the Year | "Nossa Que Isso" — WCnoBeat part. Karol Conká, MC Rogê and MC Rebecca | Nominated |
| BEAT Br | Djonga | Won | ||
| APCA trophy | Artist of the Year | Won | ||
| 2020 | MTV MIAW Awards Brazil | Big Fucking Clip award | "Eu vou" with Hot e Oreia | Nominated |
| Beat BR | Djonga | Won | ||
| 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards | Best International Flow | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | MTV MIAW Awards Brazil | Beat BR | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ "Gênero mais ouvido nos EUA em 2017, hip-hop se fortalece no Brasil com cena que se ramifica". O Globo. 5 January 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Dornelas, Luana (14 December 2017). "A trajetória de Djonga" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Red Bull. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Robin Hood do Rap, Djonga fala das origens na zona Leste ao sucesso com o lançamento de 'Ladrão'" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Itatiaia. 31 March 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Mansque, William (6 September 2018). "Destaque do hip hop brasileiro, Djonga volta a se apresentar em Porto Alegre nesta sexta-feira" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Gaúcha Zero Hora. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "Rapper Djonga é o único representante brasileiro em prêmio internacional de hip hop" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Jornal Nacional. 13 October 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Nome do rap nacional, Djonga inaugura estúdio de tatuagem na Zona Leste de BH" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Itatiaia. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Faria, Angela (21 April 2019). "Djonga celebra a negritude, ataca o racismo e faz show histórico em Belo Horizonte" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Uai. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Expoente do rap, Djonga se apresenta pela 1ª vez em Cuiabá; rima forte é marca" (in Brazilian Portuguese). RDNews. 11 January 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Djonga volta a Mariana para lançar seu novo álbum". Mais Minas (in Brazilian Portuguese). 18 June 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Estado de Minas (20 November 2020). "'Fogo nos racistas': Djonga participa de caminhada e ocupa loja do Carrefour em BH" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Estado de Minas. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Vaccari, Beatriz (20 November 2020). "Djonga perde seguidores após foto com Lula e se pronuncia: "não estão ouvindo o Rap?"" (in Brazilian Portuguese). TMDQA!. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Biografia de DJONGA | Last.fm". Last.fm. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Quais são os melhores álbuns nacionais de 2017?". Red Bull.
- ^ Felix, Vinícius (8 January 2018). "Os melhores discos de 2017". Red Bull.
- ^ "Quem se destacou na música em 2017? APCA divulga indicados em 5 categorias". UoL. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Em música nova, Karol Conka diz "quero ficar mais rica que a Rihanna": ouça!". portalpopline.com.br. 14 March 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Noise D (14 March 2018). "Djonga lança o álbum 'O Menino que queria ser Deus'. Ouça no BF!". Bocada Forte - Desde 1999 - Ser grande é ter história!.
- ^ Antunes, Pedro (21 December 2018). "Rolling Stone Brasil: os 50 melhores discos nacionais de 2018". Rolling Stone Brasil. Grupo Perfil. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Antunes, Pedro (30 November 2018). "Baco Exu do Blues, Gilberto Gil, Duda Beat: os 25 melhores discos brasileiros do segundo semestre de 2018, segundo a APCA". Rolling Stone Brasil. Grupo Perfil. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ SOUZA, Rahif (21 March 2019). "Review: Djonga – LADRÃO".
- ^ ALEX, Tony (13 March 2020). "Djonga celebra as origens em seu novo disco, "Histórias da Minha Área" – ouça".
- ^ Jornal O Tempo, Redação. "Djonga faz história e é o primeiro brasileiro indicado ao BET Hip Hop Awards".
- ^ Roiz, Jessica (10 November 2020). "Karol G, Bad Bunny, Lali & More Latin Winners At the 2020 MTV EMAs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2022-01-13. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ Ferreira, Mauro (25 September 2022). "Djonga lança em outubro o sexto álbum, 'O dono do lugar', com 'toque orgânico'" (in Brazilian Portuguese). G1. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Djonga anuncia novo ciclo e lança o disco 'O dono do lugar'" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Estado de Minas. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Premios MTV MIAW 2022: Conoce a los ganadores - Billboard | Billboard" (in Spanish). 11 July 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Após polêmica com show, Djonga é ameaçado de morte". POPline (in Brazilian Portuguese). 8 December 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Com 848 óbitos por coronavírus em 24 horas, Brasil tem recorde com alta de mortes em 21 estados e no DF". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 9 December 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Com 160 mortes pela Covid-19 em 24 horas, RJ tem novo crescimento na média móvel de óbitos". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 9 December 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Wesley Safadão volta aos palcos com show para 4 mil pessoas em Natal: 'Sensação indescritível'". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 22 November 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Denunciado por agressão no Mineirão, Djonga dá sua versão: 'Sobre racismo'". Correio Braziliense (in Brazilian Portuguese). 13 December 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Quais são os 100 melhores sons nacionais de 2017". www.redbull.com. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Djonga lança clipe autobiográfico para a faixa "Junho de 94" | ZonaSuburbana". ZonaSuburbana. 18 May 2018.
- ^ "Djonga solta Vídeo Clipe de Junho de 94 - Revista RAP". Revista RAP. 18 May 2018. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ "Rappers Emicida, Mano Brown, Rael, Rincon Sapiência, Djonga e BK saúdam representatividade negra em single de Devasto". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). 11 October 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
External links
edit- Djonga on Instagram
- Djonga on Facebook
- Djonga on YouTube
- Djonga on Spotify
- Djonga on Deezer
- Djonga on last.fm
