At just 20 years old, MC Soffia isn’t just a rising star; she’s a force of nature. From performing at the 2016 Rio Olympics opening ceremony at the tender age of 12 to completing her first US tour and gearing up for a new album, this Brazilian rapper is making waves with her powerful lyrics and undeniable talent.
Soffia Gomes da Rocha Gregório Correia, known to her fans as MC Soffia, isn’t just creating catchy tunes; she’s crafting anthems of empowerment for Black women. Her latest track, “Sofisticada” (“Sophisticated”), celebrates the success and beauty of Black women, a theme that resonates deeply in a country where Black women face double the unemployment rate of white men.
“When I started singing, it was not that I decided that I was going to talk about empowering women. The subject was just natural for me,” MC Soffia explains. This natural inclination stems from her strong upbringing, guided by the powerful Black women in her life.
Her mother, Kamilah Pimentel, and grandmother, Lucia Makena, are the backbone of her career, managing her and handling her public relations, respectively. Both are college-educated and instilled in her a strong sense of pride in her race and gender. Her mother, a single parent for many years, diligently nurtured her daughter’s talent, even taking her to hip-hop workshops at the age of six. Her father is also involved in her life.
The dynamic between MC Soffia and her mother is a testament to their close bond. While they navigate the often-blurred lines of mother-manager, their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding.
MC Soffia’s impact extends beyond music. Her songs are used in Brazilian schools, and she’s a role model for the LGBTQ+ community, having publicly come out as bisexual. But at the heart of her success is her music. As cultural producer Kauan Ferreira notes, “When I am a bit sad, I like to listen to feminine rap because it lifts me up. ‘Aniversário,’ or ‘Birthday,’ it’s one of her best songs in my opinion, because she talks about her power without taking other people down.”
In a Brazilian hip-hop scene where female success is still rare, MC Soffia stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. As Matheus Ramos of Notícia Preta puts it, “She knows she is a showcase for Black women who live in the inner cities and in the favelas. She’s a pillar, a role model.”
Despite her growing success, MC Soffia remains grounded, focusing on her new album and aiming for even greater heights. With aspirations to collaborate with her idols, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé, she’s setting her sights on global stardom.
MC Soffia’s story is one of talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She’s not just making music; she’s making a difference. And as she continues to rise, the world is watching, ready to witness the full force of her extraordinary talent.
