Even senators in Brazil got rhythm -- or try
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Brazilian Sen. Eduardo Suplicy, 66, father of the high-octane rock star Supla, now finds himself short-listed for an MTV prize, Folha Online reports.
The lawmaker’s up for Best Web Video in the Brazilian version of the MTV awards, thanks to his unusual rap arrangement, belted out impromptu during a senate session and made a hit by YouTube users.
The song, “O Homem na Estrada” (The Man in the Road), by the rap band Racionais MC’s, tells the story of a poor man drawn to crime due to circumstances he can’t control.
What made the video noteworthy was the context: Suplicy read the quite lengthy lyrics during an otherwise dry Senate debate about reducing from 18 to 16 the age at which suspects can be tried as adults. The senator is opposed to the change, and used the lyrics as a tool to convince others. Senate TV caught the entire peformance, which made its way onto YouTube.
The Senate ultimately rejected calls to lower the age threshold.
During tonight’s awards ceremony, the senator plans to sing his favorite tune, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind.’
Posted by Marcelo Soares in São Paulo and Patrick J. McDonnell in Buenos Aires