Zoeira Party’s Return Underscores Hip-Hop’s Resurgence in Rio

By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Known as one of the best and biggest hip-hop parties in Rio de Janeiro during the late 1990s, the Zoeira party will return on Saturday, July 18th. Taking place at La Paz in Centro on the border of the Lapa neighborhood where the party was born and rose to fame, the reinvigorated Zoeira party on Saturday will feature two floors of DJs spinning and live performances by MCs.

The rebirth of Zoeira comes at a time when events like the monthly Black Santa party, held in Morro dos Prazeres, are receiving international attention. Earlier this month Dom Phillips of the American publication, Washington Post, wrote about hip-hop’s resurgence in the city in the piece, “Rap in Rio: Why hip-hop is the new sound in the city of samba.”

To many, the Zoeira parties were a catalyst to the hip-hop scene in Rio de Janeiro during the late 1990s. Held at the famous Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), the parties welcomed many hip-hop artists, who were then relatively unknown but have since become stars in the genre.

BNegão, Marcelo D2, and Kassin were DJs for Zoeira beginning with the party’s first edition in 1998. Additionally, DJs including Castro, Pachu, and King Mack and MCs including Black Alien, Aori, De Leve, and Mahal performed during the weekly parties.

“I met MC Marshal in a shop buying records,” Creator and producer of Zoeira and photographer Elza Cohen recently told O Globo. ” Then, when he was at Zoeira he took the mic, did freestyle with his head down and eyes closed, all shy. When he finished, the world was vibrating.”

In addition to earth-shaking performances, the parties also became a meeting place for budding hip hop culture in the city. Rio graffiti arts Marcelo Eco, Fabio Ribeiro Binho and Marcelo Ment were known to attend as well as breakdancing groups including GBCR and Atrai Funkers.

On Saturday night, DJs Pachu, King Mack, and Castro will return with the party to spin and Aori will launch his new album, Anaga, with a live performance joined by Nacho Garcia, Lil Mila, and Marcão Baixada. Additionally, DJs Nicole Nandes, João Woo, Rabú Gonzales, Rebeca Dues will spin hip hop, dubstep, trap and rap during the event which promises to be one not to be missed by hip-hop fans or those curious about the revitalized scene in Rio.

What: Zoeira Party
When: Saturday, July 18th, 11PM.
Where: La Paz, Rua do Rezende 82, Centro.
Entrance: R$30- R$40