Rhythm Politics in a Changing Brazil: A Study of the Musical Mobilization of Voters by Bolsonaro and Haddad in the 2018 Election


 This article investigates the role of music in presidential election campaigns and political movements inspired by theoretical arguments Henri Lefebvre’s Rhythmanalysis, John Dewey ́s pragmatist rethinking aesthetics existing scholarship on politics music. Specifically, it explores how musical rhythms melodies enable new forms awareness, participation, critique an increasingly polarized Brazil through ethnomusicological exploration left-wing right-wing used to disseminate during 2018 that culminated presidency Jair Messias Bolsonaro. Three lessons can be learned. First, Brazil, breathes life, energy, affective engagement into politics—sung joyful enrich public events street demonstrations complex dynamic ways. Second, is unique For Bolsonaro supporters movements, jingles, produced as part larger campaigns, were disseminated massive sound cars heart São Paulo while demonstrators sang national anthem waved Brazilian flags. In contrast, leftist appears more spontaneous bohemian. Third, has ability both humanize popularize bolsonarismo threaten human rights ethnic minorities, among others, contemporary Brazil. To contest bolsonarismo, Trumpism, other extreme populism, we cannot close our ears listen only grooves resistance songs freedom performed leftists. We must also right.