MUSICALIALI ‘Anti-Ouam’: Understand the project that prohibits artists’ hiring by apology for crime

Bills that restrict the hiring of artists who allegedly apologize to organized crime gained strength in several Brazilian cities. The measure, nicknamed “Anti-oruam Law”focuses on the rapper Oruamstage name of Mauro Davi dos Santos Nepomucenoknown for addressing in their songs topics related to crime and for being the son of Marcinho VPpointed as leader of the Red Command.

The initiative started in São Paulowhen the councilwoman Amanda Vettorazzo (União Brasil) He proposed a project to prevent the city from hiring artists who, according to her, promote a criminal appeal. In a video on social networks, the parliamentarian said:

“I want to prohibit Oruam to do shows in the city of São Paulo. Enough of funk singers and rap making explicit apology to organized crime.”

The video went viral and the debate spread through other cities, bringing politicians from Goiânia, Campo Grande and Rio de Janeiro to present similar proposals.

What does the proposal say?

In Rio de Janeiro, for example, the project foresees that the municipal public administration will not be able to hire artists for events open to children’s public if their presentations contain “expressions of apology for organized crime or drug use”.

The controversy revolves around the lack of clarity about what is considered apology, as many artists use their songs to portray the reality of the peripheries. In Saviora similar law has been in force since 2019, prohibiting public financing of artists who address crime or violence against women.

Oruam’s reaction

Given the repercussion, Oruam released the music on February 21 “Anti Oruam Law”in which it criticizes the project and charges public policies aimed at slums. In one of the verses, he asks:

“Explains to a child because your hero lives in the bars.”

The singer had already been involved in controversy previously, as when asking for his father’s freedom during his presentation in the Lollapalooza 2024.

What does the law say?

THE Brazilian Penal Code It already foresees punishments for those who incite crimes. THE Article 287 It establishes detention of three to six months or a fine for those who actually make criminal or its author. In addition, the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) It also defines restrictions on inadequate content for minors.

So far, the projects have not yet been voted and need to go through several steps before a possible approval. However, the discussion has already generated great repercussion and can influence the hiring of artists by city halls in the coming years.

If any of these laws are sanctioned, the decision may still be challenged in the Judiciarysince it raises questions about freedom of expression and censorship in Brazilian culture.

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