On November 4, 2013, Anitta released the music video for “Zen”, the third single from her debut self-titled album. After the high-energy success of “Show das Poderosas” and “Não Para,” this song showed another side of Anitta: softer, more reflective, and emotionally connected. The video diverges from her usual bold, dance-driven visuals and instead embraces romance and simplicity.
The song was co-written by Anitta alongside Umberto Tavares and Jefferson Junior, with Batutinha producing the track. It became the most-played Brazilian song ever on Brazilian airwaves and maintaining six weeks at the top of the Brazil Hot 100 Airplay chart. It also peaked in the top three on iTunes Brazil.
The video for “Zen” was filmed in October 2013 on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, specifically at Prainha and Reserva Beach. Directed by Thiago Calviño—who also worked on “Show das Poderosas”—the video premiered on Fantástico on November 3, 2013. Anitta co-wrote the video’s concept and aimed to show a quiet, personal side of herself. A contrast to the party atmosphere she was known for.
The video follows a simple and emotional storyline. Filmed on a quiet beach, it shows Anitta in peaceful moments, like when she stares out at the sea or shares soft looks and gentle smiles with her love interest. One of the opening scenes features her in a red Corvette ZR1 convertible, which adds a hint of elegance and freedom to the atmosphere. The romantic lead is actor Victor Sparapane, who had appeared on Malhação. Anitta chose him herself because she liked his genuine, approachable look that felt right for the mood of the video.
During the shoot, Anitta shared a few behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram that showed her looking relaxed and effortless. She wore a headscarf, simple beachwear, and very little makeup, embracing a more natural vibe. Her hairstylist, Thiago Fortes, was on set and shared a few fun moments with her throughout the day. One moment that stood out was when Anitta decided to get a real tattoo while filming. She chose a small key design, symbolizing the idea of opening new doors in life, which tied in beautifully with the feeling of the song.
Even though Anitta is known for her confidence on stage, she admitted that filming the romantic scenes with Victor made her feel a bit shy at first. With each take, though, she started to feel more comfortable. One of the most memorable scenes shows the two of them sharing a shower. It’s an intimate moment that mixes warmth and sensuality without going over the top. Victor later said that their kiss on screen felt easy and natural, and that the chemistry between them flowed without needing to force anything.
Visually, Zen feels calm from start to finish. The golden light during sunset and the quiet beauty of Rio’s beaches give the video a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The color palette leans into soft blues, whites, and warm earthy tones, which match the gentle and thoughtful vibe of the song.
Anitta’s look in the video is simple and real. The pacing of the video is slow and intentional, with fewer edits and longer shots that allow her expressions and feelings to come through more naturally.
One of the sweetest moments in the video is the brief appearance of Anitta’s dog, Alfredo. It adds a personal and heartwarming detail that fans loved.
The Moment in the Spotlight
When Zen was released, it immediately caught the public’s attention. Within just one day, the music video had already passed the one million views mark online. On Brazilian iTunes, it climbed to the top of the charts, even overtaking major international hits like Katy Perry’s Roar and Britney Spears’ Work Bitch. Its appearance as the theme song for Juliana Paiva’s character in the Globo soap opera Além do Horizonte gave it even more exposure, helping it reach viewers across the country.
What made the song stand out wasn’t just the melody or production. The emotional honesty in both the lyrics and the video struck a chord with listeners. It wasn’t long before the recognition followed. Zen was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the category of Best Brazilian Song and went on to win several national awards, including at the Multishow Awards, the Extra Awards, and the Brazilian edition of the Kids’ Choice Awards.
A Global Touch: Spanish Version with Rasel
On September 9, 2014, Anitta took the next step in her career by releasing a Spanish version of Zen with Spanish rapper Rasel. It was her first real move into the Latin American and European markets, and it showed that her ambitions were growing. The new video was filmed in an urban Spanish setting, with scenes showing the energy of city life and text message exchanges between the artists. It gave the song a different atmosphere while keeping its emotional tone intact.
This release was part of a wider strategy by Warner Music to introduce Anitta to a global audience, especially in Spanish-speaking regions. It opened the door to future collaborations and helped lay the groundwork for her eventual crossover into the international music scene.
More than ten years later, Zen continues to hold a special place in Anitta’s discography. It remains a fan favorite and often appears in throwback playlists and articles that look back on her rise to fame.
It showed that Anitta could do more than dominate the funk and pop charts. With Zen, she explored a softer, more melodic side, while still keeping her signature edge. It was a mix of styles that worked, and it helped shape the kind of artist she would become.
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