Waldick Soriano e o mistério do brega

Abstract

This article analyzes the career of the singer Waldick Soriano and the impact of the music referred to as brega [tacky, out of taste] in Brazil. It narrates the beginning of his career, some of the artist's hits and controversies in a period spanning from the 1950s - time of Juscelino Kubitschek's presidency - to the military dictatorship in the 1970s, when Waldick was also censored. By taking cues from etymologists and historians the origin of the word brega is explained, and also the singularity of this musical style. The author also analyzes why brega music is unappreciated by the cultural elites of the country, and what distinguishes it from the so called MPB repertoire.