Governor of Minas Gerais and presidential candidate republished filming in which Legião Urbana vocalist was defined as “NATO Capitalist”
As reported, the party New was notified by Giuliano Manfredinison of Renato Russofor the misuse of the song “What country is this”from the Urban Legionin a political event of Romeu Zema. The governor of Minas Gerais launched last Saturday, 16, his pre-candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic-and, at the time, entered the auditorium that received the ceremony to the sound of the song mentioned.
The newspaper Folha de S. Paulo It reverberated the news last Tuesday, 19. The new said it was not notified, but Zema manifested indirectly about the situation.
Through social networks, the presidential candidate published an excerpt from an interview by Renato to the program Clip clipfrom TV Globo, in the 1980s. In filming, the singer defended the values “Tradition, family and property”in particular the latter, when declaring itself a “NATO CAPITALIST” who is looking for “Increase to the fullest” its properties.
Without considering the tone of Renato’s statement, Zema stated in the video caption:
“I agree 100% with Renato Russo: A country must preserve its traditions, family is the basis of everything, Capitalism is the best system of government to generate wealth and take people out of poverty. Live Legion!”
I agree 100% with Renato Russo:
– A country must preserve its traditions
– Family is the basis of everything
– Capitalism is the best government system to generate wealth and take people out of povertyLive Legion! pic.twitter.com/zlkpghfu2o
– Romeu Zema (@romeuzema) August 19, 2025
Renato Russo’s view of capitalism
Renato Russo’s view of capitalism generates discussion for a few years in social networks, in view of the repercussion of the old video in which he defines himself as a “born capitalist”. During a more serious Tom interview in the 1990s, the deceased singer in 1996 again defined himself as “capitalist” and made it clear that he intended to be financially rewarded for his work, but would not alter his essence to sell it.
According to the transcription of Rolling Stone Brazilhe stated:
“Of course the money is important. Now, we don’t let it interfere. I want to be able to have the peace of mind to be at my house, have my bed to sleep, my son is in school… All this is money. And I’m not stealing, killing or lying. Even if I’m the greatest hypocrite, the person only buys the album if they want. […] But it’s my job, right? Money is important. I never thought of doing anything to sell me, but if I do something I believe in and if I think there is quality, I think the band deserves to have the greatest return possible. […] I am a capitalist and if I were not, I would be ananist, I did a cooperative and everything. ”
Giuliano Manfredini’s notification
Manfredini holds, through the company Legião Urbana Productionsthe domain over the songs and the work of the band. According to him, the use of the song was not authorized or even requested and therefore constitutes a violation of copyright.
To Folha, the heir of Renato Russo stated:
“Once again the far right insults my father’s work, his memory, and makes an affront to copyright.”
And added:
“It is tiring that far right candidates find themselves in the right to do this, to go over the rule of law, the copyright, not to respect the laws. For many years this is tiring.”
Music would not be released or after request
According to Giuliano Manfredini, even though Romeu Zema or the New Party had asked for formal release to use the music, he would not authorize:
“We have the same position that my father had, especially regarding political use by the far right, because it is a song against the far right, against the dictatorship. It makes no sense to approve the use by this far right, specifically, which does not match the values of his work.”
Urban Legion and “What country is this”
“What country is this”released in 1987, is one of the main songs of Urban Legion. As well as others from the repertoire of the Brasilia band, the song criticizes corruption and several ills lived by Brazil in the years of military dictatorship.
Previous notification
By 2024, Giuliano Manfredini had already recriminated the use of music by extreme right politicians. At the time, Renato Russo’s son notified the BytedanceChinese company that owns the Tiktokbecause of pocket posts that used the song.
At the time, Giuliano, who is a cultural producer, claimed (via The globe), that the publications “violate the essence” of the artist’s work, since they have “political and ideological character of others” to the ideas he has always defended and “actively fought” by his father.
+++ Read more:Son of Renato Russo asks for overthrow of videos of pockets with “What country is this”
+++ Read more: the great criticism Renato Russo made to Guns N ‘Roses
+++ Read more: Renato Russo’s speech about transvestites and trans that has viralized on networks
+++ Follow Rolling Stone Brasil @rollingstonebrasil on Instagram
+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
