Anitta’s “Bola Rebola” music video is a vibrant collision of funk carioca, tropical rhythms, street style, and cross-cultural flair. Released on February 22, 2019, the song is a collaboration between Brazilian production team Tropkillaz, Colombian global star J Balvin, Brazil’s queen Anitta, and funk sensation MC Zaac
“Bola Rebola” blends Portuguese, English, and Spanish in a way that feels effortless, turning the track into a global party anthem. The title itself is a fun play on words—“bola” means “ball,” while “rebola” is Brazilian slang for moving your hips, kind of like twerking or dancing samba-style. The hook is catchy and rhythmic, designed to get stuck in your head and pull you straight to the dance floor.
The song became a massive hit in Brazil and beyond. It was chosen as the Anthem of the Year at MTV’s MIAW Awards and even picked up a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2019 Multishow Awards, showing just how quickly it caught fire after its release.
Tropkillaz, the Brazilian DJ duo behind the song, released “Bola Rebola” right before Carnival 2019, clearly aiming to make it the biggest hit of the season. And it worked. The track dominated Spotify Brazil, holding the number one spot for over a month straight. Its success spread beyond Brazil too. It reached number 12 on the US Latin Digital Songs chart, number 4 in Venezuela, and number 3 on Portugal’s digital rankings.
The song is a great example of Anitta’s global approach to music. It brings together urban Latin beats, Brazilian funk, trap, hip hop, and pop into one explosive mix. Fans and critics praised her range and ability to move between styles and languages so naturally.
The official video for “Bola Rebola” was shot in Salvador, Bahia, on a blazing summer day. It is colorful, energetic, and unapologetically raw. Even though it was released through Tropkillaz’s YouTube channel and not Anitta’s, the video quickly gained massive attention and became one of the most talked-about releases of early 2019.
Visually, it captures the spirit of the streets. There are quick shots of beach scenes, bold graffiti, and spontaneous dance moments that bring the city’s atmosphere to life. Anitta’s choreography steals the spotlight, while MC Zaac brings his signature charisma to every frame. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton called it a relentless hip-shaking bop, which perfectly sums up the energy the video brings from start to finish.
In 2020, the music video was removed from YouTube due to a copyright dispute. A graffiti artist from Rio de Janeiro, Wark da Rocinha, filed a lawsuit claiming that his mural titled “O Anjo” was used in the video without his permission. Since the artwork appeared in a large portion of the visuals, the court sided with the artist. As a result, the video was taken down temporarily, raising questions about the use of street art in commercial productions.
“Bola Rebola” continues the path Anitta started with her earlier hit “Vai Malandra,” pushing Brazilian funk to a global stage. The song brings together multiple cultures and languages, with J Balvin adding a strong reggaeton presence and MC Zaac grounding everything in the Brazilian funk tradition. The production, led by Tropkillaz, ties everything together with a beat that feels tailor-made for both radio and the dance floor.
Time magazine described Anitta as Brazil’s biggest pop export, and this song played a major role in expanding her presence throughout Latin America and beyond.
It reached number one on platforms in Brazil and Nicaragua, hit number 12 on the US Latin digital chart, number 16 in Bolivia, and number 92 in Colombia. Its trilingual lyrics and genre-blending sound gave it an edge in multiple markets, helping it connect with listeners in different parts of the world.
It also became a Carnival anthem, making its way into curated playlists like Apple Music’s “Essential Baile Funk 10s” and “Top Songs 2019 Brazil.” The music video, even with the legal issues it faced, became a visual symbol of pride in street culture and Brazilian identity.
The video captures the energy of Salvador with real texture and emotion. The lyrics and beat make it impossible to stay still, while the controversy around the graffiti brought attention to how public art is treated in the media industry.
“Bola Rebola” is a celebration of identity, rhythm, and connection. It shows Anitta’s ambition as a global artist while staying deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. From its massive streaming success to its unexpected legal twist, the song stands out as one of the most important moments in Latin pop during the late 2010s.
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