Duquesa Is Brazil’s Rising Rap Force
The Brazilian rap scene has not only expanded in recent years but has also grown stronger and gained new layers, and Duquesa is one of the names that captures this movement with precision. Born in Bahia, the artist carries in her trajectory the strength of her roots, which run through her music, her aesthetic, and her stance.
Now established as one of the biggest rappers in the current scene, Duquesa builds a body of work that goes beyond performance. Her lyrics function as both affirmation and reflection, speaking about power, vulnerability, desire, and identity with sharp writing that balances sensitivity and intensity. There is a clear awareness of who she is and what she wants to express.
In her most recent projects, such as “SIX.”, this construction gains new layers. The artist revisits memories, reaffirms her path, and expands her language without losing connection to the foundation that sustains her. There is a creative freedom that translates both in her sound and in the way she occupies space.
More than following the growth of female rap in Brazil, Duquesa actively participates in this transformation. Her presence is not only representative—it is structural. She challenges, proposes, and expands, opening space for more complex narratives within urban music. Now, with new chapters underway, her music continues to serve as both a starting point and a destination for everything that is yet to come.
READ ALSO: “ZELL TALKS ZELLY”
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What was the process like of saying goodbye to your previous project and arriving at “SIX.”, your most recent work?
I don’t think I’ve said goodbye to “Taurus” yet. I brought a lot of versatility across both volumes, but “SIX.” was a plus. I just wanted to say a few things, revisit some of my memories, reaffirm some ideas, and make music.
Your songs resonate with many women through messages of strength. In what ways have your own lyrics also supported you during challenging moments?
I believe I learn from the women around me everyday. I think they give me strength, and I give it back to them. I know they see me as a reference or as someone they would like to be, but I am them and they are me. I always try to think positively about myself, to say kind words to myself, and to treat myself with more care. My songs are for me too.
Tell us a bit about your special birthday show, the Big D B-Day. How are the preparations for this celebration going?
I’ve turned my birthday into such a safe space that people leave their homes expecting a happy night! For this edition, I want people to feel like they’re in the 1970s, when they would go out to dance, have fun, and make new friends. We’re preparing something that makes people feel nostalgic and experience a time when being Black was our greatest celebration — in our hair, our clothes, and our music.
Which song from your repertoire do you most enjoy performing live?
“Fuso” and “Só um flerte,” hahaha. It depends on the mood of the day, but those are my favorites.
@namilia @annatulliafinds @welsonpradobrand @carolinamelgarejo @madamesher @calzedoniabrasil
READ ALSO: “KYLIE CANTRALL KNOWS GOOD MUSIC”
Your Tiny Desk brought a new interpretation of your music, with a more intimate atmosphere centered on the power of your voice. What was it like revisiting your repertoire in that format, and what did that experience reveal about you as an artist?
I’ve always seen myself doing grand things. I like challenges, I like testing myself. Tiny Desk was overwhelming for me. From the inside out, I was able to reaffirm myself artistically. I thought I wouldn’t be able to create something more emotional. I don’t know, sometimes artists become monotonous. Everything felt kind of lukewarm to me, and that experience stirred something inside me. Now I only think about how to be bigger and better every day, to reap the rewards of these challenges, and to challenge myself even more.
Looking ahead, what paths do you still want to explore with your art, and what do you feel you still want to build from everything you’ve already achieved?
I want to do major tours, I want to become even more professional on stage, I want—maybe—to win a Grammy, to release timeless and powerful albums that can be heard in any era. I want to go international and bring Brazilianness and a lot of bars to the whole world.
@calzedoniabrasil @loungerie
Who is Duquesa in her private life? What reconnects you with your essence outside the spotlight?
In private, I’m quite uninterested in superficial things. I love cooking my own meals, I love watching documentaries, I enjoy keeping my home in order, having cake and coffee with my friends, being quiet. Sometimes, at home, I can’t even remember that I’m an artist. That persona simply doesn’t exist there.
If we looked at your recent history, what would show up the most: music, memes, or random videos?
You’d see some makeup and hair tutorials, also some recipes, hahaha, travel tips, but lots of good memes.
@namilia @annatulliafinds @calzedoniabrasil @loungerie
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Editor Brazil & Creative Director: Leonardo Loreto (@leonardoloreto)
Writer: Gillian Caetano (@gilliancaetano)
Photographer: Mateus Aguiar (@mateusaguiar)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Ana Vitoria (@yosoyanavitoria)
Wardrobe Stylist: Alexia Anad (@alexiaanad)
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist: Mariana Mello (@nanamelllo)
Videographer: Diego Rodrigues (@diegorodriguesph)
Production: Julya Rodrigues (@juuuulyaaaaaa)
Set Production: Marcele Ternório (@mvrrcelle)
General Production: Rasna Cantizano (@rasnacantizano)
Artist Producer: Iná Araújo (@ina___araujo)
Public Relations: Gira Hub (@girahub)
