Marcelo Yuka has always been attentive to new musical trends. He first appeared on the music scene as the drummer for a reggae band in a violent suburb of Rio de Janeiro. In 1993, Yuka founded O Rappa, a band that quickly grabbed the attention of recorders. WEA-Brasil launched the band’s first album, which was well received by critics and the general public alike. However, it was the band’s second album that inaugurated something that could be referred to as the O Rappa aesthetic, an effect characterized by the band’s attitude and powerful lyrics that escape the realm of pop foolishness and simple melodies that captivated listeners. Heading the band for nearly ten years in Rio de Janeiro, Yuka has been able to transform his musical career into a jumping off point for launching new and innovative projects that transcend the musical aspect in order to achieve cultural and social goals.Because of Marcelo Yuka..s attitude, the band’s work has been associated with important social discourses. His involvement with NGOs that operate in impoverished communities added to O Rappa..s profile a commitment to the fight for social justice in the specific areas of human’s rights, the end of racial discrimination and violence. After 6 years of combative and brave involvement, the group was deservedly recognized. But, no one expected that one of the people that best represents a message of solidarity and non-violence could be the victim of urban war, much like other wars that transpire in big cities nowadays. In November of 2000, Yuka was shot multiple times while an assault transpired near his house in Rio. After many days of fighting for his life, movement of Yuka..s legs and one of his arms had been seriously impaired.Forced to distance himself from the band’s rigorous routine as well as his instrument, Yuka..s life has taken a new route. He has created new potential through his dialogues on the value of human beings and art as a form of social awareness and liberation. Like others who have endured life threatening situations, Marcelo Yuka is in a hurry to make changes and has been actively participating in many conferences and lectures all around the country discussing new methods of action that promote culture and social justice.In 2008, Marcelo Yuka is working on his solo career.
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