Battle of the Rhymes

The Complexo Cultural de Samambaia is also home to the famous battle of the rhymes or battle of the MCs. These are performances by poets who read or recite an original work. 

Some people think that the battle of the rhymes is just a game with words that takes place around the city. However, they come together to sharpen their intellects and through verse they give value to culture, with debates on political and social issues.    

These presentations are then judged by selected members of the audience or a panel of judges. In spite of the violence inherent in the word, the battles are filled with a fun and peaceful atmosphere.

Rhyme battles are intended for the general public, with no restrictions on gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, age, origin, and/or place of residence. All the battles are open to the public to watch, listen, recite outside the contest, and participate in the judging. 

Whether it's at the Complexo Cultural da Samambaia, the Museu da República, in the heart of the federal capital, people arrive, greet friends and acquaintances, laugh and chat, in the mood to duel it out or just to watch the shows.   

Being related to hip-hop culture and social and artistic youth movements, the audience that signs up to participate and watch the battles is generally between 18 and 35 years old. However, there is no minimum or maximum age to take part. 

Those who get most from it are generally young people from the periphery, historically targets of discrimination and oppression that made their social participation unviable and often hinder their access to spaces of voice, power, protagonism, or public exposure of their artistic production. 

The winner takes all. Their ideas get applause. The kids want to have their picture taken next to them. Those who think faster and are able to "beat" others "intellectually" usually win, even if the topic is playful and provocative.   

Anyone can watch the battle and participate in the moment. It is 2 hours of rhyming exchanges.