Seu Jorge has gained exposure through his work as an actor and soundtrack composer. He appeared in the critically acclaimed 2002 film City of God as Mané Galinha, directed by filmmakers Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund, and then played Pelé dos Santos in Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, for which he provided much of the soundtrack in the form of Portuguese language cover versions of David Bowie classics. Bowie later went on to say about his cover album, The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions, that "had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs in Portuguese I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with".
In June 2006, he performed at Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tennessee and at the Festival Sudoeste TMN in Portugal. He has also performed in 2006 at the Bluesfest in Ottawa, Ontario and performed at the Harbourfront in Toronto, Ontario. Jorge's performances are known for their excitement as well as for getting the crowd moving. In January 2010 he performed with Thievery Corporation at the Austin City Limits.
His album 'América Brasil' had a limited Brazilian release in 2007 under his label Cafuné Gravadora, distributed in the UK by Proper Music Distribution. In May 2010, Now-Again Records announced that Jorge's new album, Seu Jorge & Almaz, a collaboration with drummer Pupillo and guitarist Lucio Maia from Nação Zumbi and bassist and composer Antonio Pinto would be released in North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand on July 27 and in Europe on September 14. The album has been described as "how powerful Brazilian soul music can be".
In 2011, he collaborated with Beck on the Mario C. remix of "Tropicália" for the Red Hot Organization's most recent charitable album Red Hot+Rio 2.
In 2012, he collaborated with American fashion designer Rachel Roy on a line of sportswear, footwear, jewelry and handbags.
In 2015, he was nominated for the 16th Latin Grammy Awards in the Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album category.
On September 8, he performed after lighting the cauldron in the 2016 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
According to a DNA test, Seu Jorge is 85.1% African, 12.9% European and 2% Amerindian. He belongs to haplogroup R1b, suggesting that his paternal lineage probably derives from Western Europe.
Eu Sou Favela
Seu Jorge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ela só tem gente humilde, marginalizada
E essa verdade não sai no jornal
A favela é um problema social
Sim, mas eu sou favela
Posso falar de cadeira
E nunca teve assistência social
Ela só vive lá
Porque para o pobre não tem outro jeito
Apenas só tem o direito
A um salário de fome e uma vida normal
A favela é um problema social
The lyrics of "Eu Sou Favela" by Seu Jorge challenges the perception of favelas, which are generally associated with crime and poverty. The first line of the song affirms that the favela is not a hub of criminals and outcasts, but a place with humble and marginalized people. Unfortunately, this truth is not being reported in the media, which often sensationalize and exaggerate the problems that exist in these communities. The second line underscores the fact that the favela is a product of social inequality and neglect by the government. It is a glaring issue that cannot be simply dismissed or ignored.
The chorus of the song offers a personal perspective from Seu Jorge, who declares that he himself is a product of the favela. He posits that he has the right to speak about living there from a position of understanding and authority. He affirms that his people are hardworking but have never received enough social assistance from the government. They are forced to live in favelas because they have no other choice. It is a tough life that is characterized by extreme poverty and deprivation. The last line of the chorus repeats the point that the favela is a social problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
This song is a powerful commentary on social inequality, poverty, and the stereotype that surrounds favelas in Brazil. It gives a voice to the marginalized people who inhabit these communities and highlights their struggles and the need for the government to take action to improve their living conditions.
Line by Line Meaning
A favela nunca foi reduto de marginal
Contrary to popular belief, favelas were never a breeding ground for criminals.
Ela só tem gente humilde, marginalizada
Favelas are only home to humble and marginalized people.
E essa verdade não sai no jornal
Unfortunately, the media often fails to portray this reality.
A favela é um problema social
Favelas represent a social issue that needs to be addressed.
Sim, mas eu sou favela
Despite the negative connotations associated with favelas, I am proud of being from one.
Posso falar de cadeira
I have the authority to speak on behalf of my community.
Minha gente é trabalhadeira
The people from my community are hardworking.
E nunca teve assistência social
Sadly, our community has never received the social support it deserves.
Ela só vive lá
People only live in favelas because they have no other choice.
Porque para o pobre não tem outro jeito
Due to poverty, the inhabitants of favelas have limited options.
Apenas só tem o direito
Their basic rights are restricted to a meager salary and a normal life.
A um salário de fome e uma vida normal
They only have access to a barely sufficient salary and a 'normal' life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LUIZ SERGIO CARVALHO DE FREITAS, NOCA DA PORTELA, OSVALDO ALVES PEREIRA, SERGIO MOSCA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mariana Figueroa
La primera canción que escucche de este hombre en el festival TenSamba de Tenerife. En el año 2007. Nunca mas pude sacarlo de mi vida. ❤️
Leandro Souza
salve o grande bezerra que descobriu grandes sucessos valeu
Wesley Leandro
👏👏👏👏👏