The Meaning Behind The Song: Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66’s popular song, “Mas Que Nada,” is a timeless classic that has been covered and sampled countless times since its original release in 1966. But what is the meaning behind the Portuguese lyrics and the energetic bossa nova beat that have made the song so beloved around the world? In this article, we will explore the backstory and cultural significance of “Mas Que Nada,” along with frequently asked questions related to the iconic tune.
Table of Contents
Background and Cultural Significance
“Mas Que Nada” was written and originally recorded by Jorge Ben Jor, a Brazilian musician and songwriter, in 1963. However, it was Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66’s version that brought the song to international fame. The group’s lead singer, Lani Hall, even sang the song in Portuguese despite not speaking the language fluently.
The title “Mas Que Nada” translates to “But That’s Nothing” or “Oh, Come On” in English. The lyrics are a playful conversation between a man and a woman, with the man trying to convince the woman to dance with him. The upbeat and catchy rhythm, coupled with the lyrics, exude a lively and carefree mood that is often associated with Brazilian culture.
“Mas Que Nada” became a symbol of the bossa nova and samba genres and was embraced by musicians all over the world. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Black Eyed Peas, who featured Sergio Mendes in their 2006 rendition, which peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The Message Behind the Song
While “Mas Que Nada” may seem like just a fun and lively song, there is a deeper message beyond the Portuguese lyrics. The song speaks to the joy and spirit of Brazilian people, particularly in the context of dance and music.
Brazil is known for its vibrant and diverse music and dance culture, which has been influenced by African, European, and indigenous traditions. “Mas Que Nada” reflects the spirit of Brazilian music by encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and dance with abandon.
Moreover, “Mas Que Nada” is truly a song of the people. Many Brazilians have adopted the phrase as a slogan for positive change, and Sergio Mendes himself has spoken about his commitment to using music as a vehicle for social change and unification.
FAQs
1. What is bossa nova?
Bossa nova is a genre of Brazilian music that originated in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is characterized by a subtle harmony, syncopated rhythms, and Latin American melodies. Bossa nova was heavily influenced by jazz and samba and was seen as a modern and sophisticated version of traditional Brazilian music.
2. Why is “Mas Que Nada” so popular today?
“Mas Que Nada” has remained popular over the years due to its catchy beat and playful lyrics. Additionally, the song represents the joyful and carefree spirit of Brazilian music, which continues to resonate with people all around the world.
3. Are the lyrics of “Mas Que Nada” the same in all versions?
While the core lyrics of “Mas Que Nada” remain the same across different versions, some artists have chosen to adapt the Portuguese lyrics to their preferred language or style. For example, the English version of the song by Black Eyed Peas features a combination of English and Portuguese lyrics.
4. What other songs are similar to “Mas Que Nada”?
Songs similar in style and theme to “Mas Que Nada” include “The Girl from Ipanema” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto and “Desafinado” by Antônio Carlos Jobim.
5. What is the significance of the song title?
The phrase “Mas Que Nada” is used colloquially in Portuguese to express disbelief or excitement. In the context of the song, the title adds to the playful and carefree tone of the lyrics.
6. Who has covered “Mas Que Nada”?
“Mas Que Nada” has been covered by a plethora of artists over the years, including Black Eyed Peas, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Al Jarreau.
7. Where can I listen to “Mas Que Nada”?
“Mas Que Nada” is available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
8. What kind of dance is traditionally associated with “Mas Que Nada”?
Samba is the style of dance traditionally associated with “Mas Que Nada” and other Brazilian music. Samba is a lively and rhythmic dance that incorporates a lot of movement in the hips and feet.
9. What impact did “Mas Que Nada” have on Brazilian music?
“Mas Que Nada” helped to popularize bossa nova and samba music styles outside of Brazil. The song also brought recognition to Brazilian musicians and encouraged collaborations with artists from different cultural backgrounds.
10. What happened to Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66?
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 disbanded in the early 1970s. Sergio Mendes went on to have a successful career as a solo artist and producer.
11. What is Sergio Mendes known for?
Sergio Mendes is known for his contributions to the bossa nova and samba music genres, as well as for his work as a producer for artists such as Black Eyed Peas.
12. What other Brazilian musicians should I listen to?
If you enjoy “Mas Que Nada” and want to explore more Brazilian music, other artists to check out include Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, and Elis Regina.
