Interpretation by Antonia Beyer
Tecnobrega is a music genre from Belém, in the state of Pará, in the north of Brazil, and emerged in the 2000s. It is produced and consumed mainly in poorer neighborhoods of the metropolitan region. The genre combines elements of international commercial music, such as techno and pop, with traditional styles of the region, such as brega, elements of carimbó and calypso. Tecnobrega highlights social differences: local elites condemn the style.
Brega translates as "kitschy" and is associated with bad taste and music of poorer populations. However, its combination with techno and pop gradually led to a revaluation and brought national and even international stars, such as Gaby Amarantos, Gang do Eletro and Pabllo Vittar. It is significant that Tecnobrega is a music by all and for all. It is produced with simple means in home studios and the CDs are distributed very cheaply by street vendors. These CDs are also used to promote the big Tecnobrega events, which are the main focus. There, music is played live, danced to, and recordings of the music are sold.
The parties impress with huge sound systems and elaborate light shows. Another special feature regarding the production and distribution channels is that any copyright is waived.