Resumo

Youth Professionalization in Fortaleza’s Amateur Rap Scene: The Case of CUCA Mondubim

The CUCA Mondubim community centre (Fortaleza, Brazil) is one of three community centres targeting low-HDI neighbourhoods. It is home to a flourishing amateur community centered around rap music, an art form that is particularly tied to the culture of marginalized “periferia” districts of Brazil. One sound technician, upon noticing this interest for rap music, created various workshops focused on the youngsters’ interests. We analyzed what strategies were employed by the technician to help these young rappers in their professional development. Using the Connected Learning framework (ITO et. al, 2013), we observed three teaching-and-learning areas: training opportunities, community, and entrepreneurship. In this case study, we interviewed the sound technician, as well as three rap groups revolving around the community centre.Results show that each of these areas display effects of student-centered teaching. Amongst the most striking of those is a clear orientation towards professionalizing and entrepreneurial strategies.