The singer and instrumentalist Clarissa Ferreira was announced as a member of the jury for the 37th Reponte da Canção, one of the main nativist events held in São Lourenço do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. This appointment comes despite the artist having been convicted by the courts in a case related to the recording of an obscene parody of the song 'Céu, Sol, Sul,' originally by Leonardo.
Clarissa will join the Judging Commission for the 'campeira' category, alongside Karaí Guedes and José Carlos Batista de Deus. The announcement generated various reactions among artists, including criticism from Pedro Henrique Pereira, who commented on social media: 'They have lost touch with tradition.' There were also comments of praise.
The artist's conviction is directly linked to a version of the song 'Céu, Sol, Sul,' which was later removed from her social media. In this version, she and another musician used obscene terms instead of the original lyrics, such as in the excerpt: 'It's my crazy fire in your ass, oh my flower.' The case is still pending judicial proceedings, and the singer's defense filed an appeal against the decision, the judgment of which is scheduled for October 13.
In response to the invitation, Clarissa Ferreira told a blog that her career justifies participation, mentioning that she had previously participated in Reponte as an instrumentalist and won in 2009, alongside performer Luiz Marenco. The Executive, Artistic, and Dissemination Commission of the 37th Reponte da Canção justified the choice of jurors based on technical criteria, artistic experience, and affinity with regional music and culture.
Clarissa Ferreira's Statement
Clarissa Ferreira emphasized that her professional history speaks for itself, citing her repeated participation in Reponte as an instrumentalist and her victory in 2009 with Luiz Marenco. She highlighted her long connection to festivals, both as a musician and a researcher of Rio Grande do Sul music, which allows her to accept the invitation responsibly. Furthermore, she has previously been part of the judging panel of other important regional festivals, such as Tafona da Canção, Moenda da Canção, and Carijo da Canção Gaúcha Instrumental.
Festival Commission's Position
The Executive, Artistic, and Dissemination Commission of the 37th Reponte da Canção clarified that the selection of jury members was made considering technical aspects, trajectory, and artistic experience, especially the guests' connection to regional culture. Clarissa Ferreira's selection for the 'Linha Campeira,' alongside Karaí Guedes and José Carlos Batista de Deus, is based on her education and professional path. She holds a bachelor's degree in Violin from the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), a master's degree in Music from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), a doctorate in Music from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), and is conducting postdoctoral research at the University of São Paulo (USP), in addition to having taught Music courses at UFRGS and UFPel.
Her experience with regional music spans approximately ten years in CTG musicals and nativist festivals. She was awarded at ENART in 2006 in the Violin category and received honors as an instrumentalist at events such as Coxilha Nativista, Guyanuba Song Festival, Doma and Singing Festival, and Galponeira de Bagé. In 2024, her self-titled album LaVaca won five Açoriano Music Awards, including Best Regional Music Album, Best Arrangement, Best Composer, and Best Performer.
Regarding the parody controversy and the judicial process, the Commission understood that it is an issue external to the festival, which does not invalidate her technical qualification. The Commission does not intend to judge the controversy or anticipate judicial conclusions, focusing only on ensuring that the evaluation of compositions follows the regulations. While respecting the criticisms from the artistic community, the festival maintains its technical criteria for composing the jury, reaffirming its commitment to Gaucho regional music.