Anitta’s “Veneno,” released in 2018 as part of her trilingual EP Solo, stands as a testament to her versatility and artistic vision. The music video, directed by João Papa, is rich of symbolism, sensuality, and empowerment, featuring Anitta amidst a myriad of snakes, challenging her fears.
The inception of “Veneno” was marked by Anitta’s desire to explore themes of seduction and control. Collaborating with producers Dynell and Tainy, she crafted a track that delves into the intoxicating nature of desire. Anitta expressed that she wanted listeners to feel “sexy” when engaging with the song, emphasizing the danger intertwined in passionate encounters
The decision to incorporate snakes into the music video was a deliberate choice, symbolizing temptation and transformation. Anitta initially grappled with her fear of snakes but chose to confront it anyway, leading to some of the most compelling visuals in her career .
In “Veneno,” Anitta confronts her fear of snakes head-on. The video features her interacting with 29 live serpents, including boas and ball pythons. Initially apprehensive, Anitta developed a surprising connection with the reptiles during filming. Director João Papa noted that this bond led to spontaneous, unrepeatable moments on camera.
To enhance the serpentine aesthetic, makeup artist Siva Rama Terra developed a technique to give Anitta’s skin a scaly appearance, requiring three hours of application.
One of the more subtle but powerful influences in the “Veneno” music video is the nod to Luz del Fuego, a Brazilian ballerina, activist, and performer from the 1940s and 50s. Luz del Fuego was known for dancing with snakes and advocating for naturism and women’s freedom. Her legacy has been largely forgotten in mainstream Brazilian culture, but Anitta resurrects that legacy in her own way.
By referencing Luz del Fuego, Anitta aligns herself with a lineage of radical, rule-breaking Brazilian women who used their bodies and their art to question societal norms. The comparison adds a layer of historical depth to the video that resonates especially with Brazilian audiences.
“Veneno” delves into the complexities of desire, portraying it as both alluring and perilous. The word “veneno” means “poison” in Spanish, a metaphor that carries throughout the entire visual and lyrical experience. Lyrics like “Soy tu veneno” (“I am your poison”) encapsulate the intoxicating nature of passion and the power dynamics often present in romantic entanglements. Anitta positions herself as both the seducer and the object of desire, challenging traditional gender roles and asserting control over her narrative.
Filming “Veneno” was not without its challenges. Beyond confronting her fear of snakes, Anitta also had to endure scenes involving mud, which she found particularly uncomfortable.
Anitta has been open about her fear of snakes, which made the filming process psychologically intense. According to behind-the-scenes interviews, she initially refused to work with live snakes but eventually chose to confront her fear as a form of personal growth and commitment to the concept.
Upon its release, “Veneno” garnered significant attention for its visuals and thematic depth. It charted in several countries, including Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, and reached number 12 on Brazil’s streaming charts. Critics praised the video for its artistic direction and Anitta’s fearless performance, solidifying her status as a global pop icon.
Memes and edits featuring her with snakes went viral on TikTok and Instagram. The aesthetic of “Veneno” became instantly recognizable, influencing makeup tutorials, Halloween costumes, and fan art.
By intertwining provocative visuals with cultural references and themes of control and desire, Anitta pushes the boundaries of pop music and redefines the role of female artists in the industry. “Veneno” stands as a testament to her evolution as an artist and her commitment to authenticity.
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