Agronejo Music Emerges as Brazilian Agribusiness Soft Power Tool Ahead of Elections

Agronejo, a digital iteration of sertanejo country music, has emerged as a significant cultural trend in Brazil, characterized by pro-agribusiness themes. Backed by the agribusiness sector, it supports policies that resonate with President Jair Bolsonaro's administration. Notable artists such as Leo & Raphael highlight agribusiness in songs like 'Os Menino da Pecuária' (2021). Additionally, the track 'Pipoco' by Ana Castela, Melody, and DJ Chris No Beat boasts over 72 million streams on Spotify and 106 million views on YouTube. The genre's music videos receive sponsorship from agribusiness companies, with marketing roots tracing back to Brazil's military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. By 2021, four of the top five most-streamed artists on Spotify were sertanejo musicians, celebrating agribusiness while overlooking issues like deforestation and labor rights. Agronejo's impact is expected to endure beyond the October 2 election.