Anitta’s “Vai Malandra” arrived in December 2017 and instantly rewrote the rules for Brazilian pop music videos. Filmed in Vidigal, a favela in Rio de Janeiro, it was more than a catchy song. It was a declaration of identity, a celebration of funk carioca culture, and a challenge to beauty standards. From its unfiltered opening shot to its record-breaking numbers, “Vai Malandra” became a cultural milestone that still resonates today.
At a time when Brazilian funk was still treated like an underground genre outside the country, Anitta decided to make it the centerpiece of her final release from the CheckMate project. She brought in MC Zaac, DJ Yuri Martins, Tropkillaz, and Maejor to help shape the sound.
The music video is a celebration of everyday life in Vidigal. The energy, the style, the music, and the people. Kids running through alleys, motorbikes flying, women dancing in the streets. There’s pride in every frame. Unlike many artists who romanticize the favela aesthetic, Anitta grew up in a working-class neighborhood herself.
Directed by Terry Richardson, “Vai Malandra” captures the energy of Vidigal. The first frame of Anitta with cellulite visible became instantly iconic. No airbrushing or filters were used. That moment alone started conversations around body positivity and authenticity in pop music.
Of course, the video didn’t come without controversy. Some questioned Richardson’s involvement, while others debated whether the portrayal of the favela was empowering or exploitative. Still, most agreed: this was a bold move for a Brazilian pop star, and it pushed funk into the global spotlight. She took a risk by going against the usual polished look of pop stars, and the public loved her for it.
It became the first Portuguese-language song to break into Spotify’s Global Top 20. On YouTube, it hit over 10 million views in its first day, making it the most-viewed Brazilian debut at the time.
Even in 2025, watching “Vai Malandra” feels fresh. If you haven’t seen it in a while, watch it again. And if you’ve never seen it, prepare yourself for one of the most important Brazilian music videos of the last decade.
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