“People think that, because I’m a funk singer, I can’t seek something for my life”: Young funkster wants to study Medicine

Note from BW of Brazil: We’ve all heard the cliche phrase, “I’m only doing this temporarily to get through college”. It’s a phrase that’s usually uttered by a person who’s doing something they’re not proud to be doing but are willing to do it only long enough to improve their lives or get to the next level of life. Of course, some people really mean and manage to move on, but many others, for any number of reasons, end up stuck in the life they meant to occupy only temporarily. We’re hoping the former is the case for this young lady. 

Last year, we brought you the story of the Rio-based funk group Bonde das Maravilhas that scored a huge hit with their song “Aquecimento das Maravilhas”. The style known is funk has long been critically panned by many sectors of Brazilian society even though it has recently crossed over, been “blingified” and some would argue, even appropriated. Along with other critiques of the style, the girls of Bonde had to also deal with the fact that they are all so young. In the Brazilian imagery, young black girls are destined to be poor, ignorant baby factories who will never improve their situation in life and thus when Bonde came along, the criticism was harsh.

Today’s story could show the other side of the story. One of the girls from this group has made it known that she intends to go to college and study Medicine. Best wishes to her! As most Brazilians know, Medicine is one of the most difficult areas to gain acceptance in college programs. Still today, the field is overwhelmingly white. 

Bonde das Maravilhas singer now studying for the vestibular in Medicine

Alexandre Araújo – Expresso

The routine of shows of the funk group Bonde das Maravilhas will change next year. And it has nothing to do with the world of music, quite to the contrary. MC Thaysa, the lead singer of the group, will enter high school and wants to take the vestibular (college entrance) for Medicine, taking another step to realizing her dream of being a pediatrician.

For the next three years her full focus will be on her on studies, she talked to the manager and the other members for the changes to happen in their agenda. A show during the week, for example, will only happen on the nights before holidays or national holidays. Thaysa ensures that the decision was supported by all.

“Currently, I study with my notebook. I take the material during travels on the tour, and when I come back, I ask questions and take the tests. It was all discussed with the directors,” said the 16-year old, who lives in São Gonçalo, and attends a private school in Niterói (Rio de Janeiro state)

Thaysa also hopes to finish with an existing prejudice in society:

“I chose Medicine because, before Bonde, I had no health insurance and saw that they wouldn’t do complete treatment. And love children. I want to unite the two. Many ask if I’m sure. People think that, because I’m a funkeira (funk singer), I can’t seek something for my life,” lamented Thaysa, who is currently single.

Source: Extra