Cabelo duro
Naná Vasconcelos e Itamar Assumpção Lyrics

The lyrics to Nana Vasconcelos E Itamar Assumpcao's song Cabelo Duro speak to the singer's pride in their heritage as a pure Afro-Brazilian with tough hair, which they contrast with their strong and unyielding nature. The singer will not compromise on their music or their identity, expressed through their mulatto offspring. They reject insincerity in any form, from flimsy love stories to false friends. The singer also highlights their love for mixing apparently disparate things, like sushi and chayote or clear and dark beer, foiling the expectations of society who would try to force them onto one side or the other. Ultimately, the singer trusts their spirituality and faith in Xangô, the Yoruba god of justice and thunder, to protect them from any obstacles they may face.

The lyrics of this song offer a layered social commentary about Afro-Brazilian identity, pride in cultural heritage, and rebellion against societal expectations. The musician, Itamar Assumpção, was known for his idiosyncratic style, rich in political and social messages. Nana Vasconcelos, on the other hand, was a renowned percussionist and composer who worked with a diverse range of artists. Together, they created a sound that mixed traditional Brazilian music with experimental jazz and percussion.