MV Bill
MV Bill – Brazil’s Messenger of Truth
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“From the City of God, my roots; from Rio to Paris, I make music with love. I let the music take me and, in return, give me the strength for whatever will come.”
- MV Bill The Artist:
The streets of Rio de Janeiro have been infamous for decades due to problems with drug trafficking, high crime rates, and gang violence. Films such as City of God have had some success in sending Brazil’s distress signal out to the rest of the world, but the most inspiring stories of leadership and improvement come from Brazil’s native sons and daughters– people like MV Bill.
MV Bill has been one of the most fearless and outspoken opponents of the Brazilian drug cartels plaguing Rio de Janeiro. Through his music, the written word, and social welfare foundations, MV Bill has acted as a positive role model for Brazilian youth, getting kids off the streets and into art, music and dance classes. He is a co-author of the best-selling book Falcão – Meninos do Tráfico,an in-depth discussion on the many problems facing Brazil and what must be done to solve them. MV Bill walks the talk like few other artists. He still lives inside his birthplace, City of God and runs the headquarters to his various NGO’s and one of the schools there. He was also the first to broadcast a full-length documentary film about the truth of life in the favelas, his own Favela Rising, on national television in Brazil, and to bring the president of his country into the favelas to get a first hand view of the problems plaguing Brazil.
MV Bill’s music is able to transcend barriers in a way that other forms of expression cannot. His experiences and intense love for his home allow him to speak directly to troubled youth in a way that they understand and can take to heart. He is truly a symbol of hope for all Brazilians, showing that his country’s vibrant and proud culture can lead the way to peace, justice, and prosperity. MV Bill has released four groundbreaking albums, most recently Causa E Efeito in 2010. The Song:
“I first learned about MV Bill through a friend’s TV series called “4Real” and a special segment on MV Bill and Mos Def on Bill’s home turf in Brazil. He is a giant among men and artists, and respected by all generations and social hierarchy, from high-level politicians to the most dangerous drug lords. It took two trips to Brazil, but I couldn’t begin to talk about the new generation of artists making a real difference in the world without including MV Bill. Despite the power of his work and the respect he commands, he is one of the most gentle and compassionate people I’ve met.”– Frank Fitzpatrick
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Featured Artists: • Annie Lennox |
