ANITTA’S ‘EQUILIBRIVM II’: A FUSION OF FUNK, SAMBA & AFRO-BRAZILIAN RITUALS
words by ANOUK WOUDT
Following the momentum of EQUILIBRIVM, Anitta returns with a 17-track sequel that fuses funk, samba and Afro-Brazilian spirituality into one of the most personal and ambitious statements of her career. From beginning to end, the album radiates an infectious energy that never dims, creating tracks that act as the optimal vehicle for dance. With bouncy percussion, samba-driven swings and powerful vocals, she’s crafted the perfect summer album — one designed for sunset-soaked block parties, where crowds move freely and celebration continues long after night falls.
image via @anitta
EQUILIVRIVM II acts as the direct continuation of EQUILIVRIVM, which was released earlier this year in April, combining both works into a single 32-song project that spans an hour and a half. Building on her established Afro-Brazilian musical style, her culture continues to play an instrumental role (literally) in each of her projects, despite her international resonance. This, in itself, has propelled her to become one of Brazil’s top vocalists, earning widespread praise from critics across Brazil and its diaspora.
Religion plays a big role in this album, with references to deities that stem from West African and Afro-Brazilian traditions. The song Ogum Me Rodeia, featuring the legendary Maria Bethânia and Letícia Fialho, for instance, directly invokes Ogum, which is the god of iron and war in the Yoruba religion. Deus Mãe featuring KING Saints also heavily references god, incorporating a song structure that resembles chants straight out of a terreiro – a sacred Afro-Brazilian religious temple. Contemplação with Grupo Ofá carries this similar chanting energy, acting as one of the calmer, more composed pieces of the album, giving way to Pra Você Gostar de Mim, another delicate piece that feels distinctly love-lorn and dreamy, even through the language barrier.
Ending on a high-energy departure, Oke reminds us again of the purpose of her music: to dance. With features from Brô MC’s and Katu Mirim, the song immediately pushes you to move with drilling breakbeats and a pounding bassline. Glitched vocals bring power before swiftly transforming into breathy arpeggios, becoming a song that truly honours Anitta’s breadth as a vocalist.
Listening to EQUILIVRIVM II is a spiritual journey that homages both her free-spirited and tradition-focused sides to create a constellation of Afro-Brazilian culture. It touches on meaningful prospects, while maintaining a rhythm – which is oh so Brazilian of her. In the world of Latin pop, this album really stands out – even amongst her own discography – through its Latin-African fusion, creating a piece of work that is truly within its own musical category.
