Desbundando in the lead years: counterculture, artistic production and Os Novos Baianos

Abstract:

One of many names given to counterculture in Brazil, the desbunde was one of the main motivators of the cultural and political-ideological clashes in the “lead years” of dictatorship (1969-1974). This slang was originally derogatory and reproachful, since it assumed a lack of commitment to political issues, in the strict sense of the term, in much of the left political perspective. In part of the youth, it designated behavioral changes involving a ‘drop-out’ attitude, sexual liberation, interest in mystical traditions, experiences with drugs and, among other things, hippie life model and a certain inadequacy to the consumption society. This article discusses the ambivalent character of that slang when associated mainly to the artistic production of the period, highlighting the exemplary case of the musical group Os Novos Baianos.

Keywords:
Dictatorship; Counterculture; Desbunde ; Popular Music; Os Novos Baianos