Manifesto #1 - A Rua Cercada Por Divisão (part. Real Fubá e MC Poze do Rodo)
Oruam
A Cry for Justice: The Streets Divided
Oruam's "Manifesto #1 - A Rua Cercada Por Divisão" is a powerful commentary on the social and economic disparities that plague Brazilian society, particularly in the favelas. The song opens with a vivid depiction of a street divided by factionalism, where young men are drawn into a life of crime as a means of survival. The artist highlights the stark contrast between the lives of those in the favelas and the wealthy elite, who remain oblivious to the struggles of the marginalized.
The lyrics serve as a critique of systemic issues, questioning why education and opportunities are not provided to the youth instead of resorting to violence. The recurring image of a young man with a rifle symbolizes the desperation and lack of options available to those in impoverished communities. Oruam emphasizes that the pen, representing systemic oppression and neglect, is more lethal than the gun, as it perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence.
Throughout the song, there is a palpable sense of anger and frustration directed at the state and its institutions, which are seen as complicit in the suffering of the poor. The artist calls for recognition and change, urging those in power to listen to the voices of the oppressed. The song is a poignant reminder of the human cost of inequality and the urgent need for social justice and reform in Brazil's urban landscapes.