If you grew up with the vibrant sounds of 80s Brazilian music, you likely have the chorus of permanently etched in your memory. Released as a standout track on the 1987 album Flerte Fatal (Fatal Flirtation), this song captures Rita Lee at her most playful and irreverent. The Sound of '87
The original 1987 music video is a time capsule of late-80s aesthetics. It frequently appeared on popular Brazilian music programs of the era, such as . The visual presentation matches the song's quirky energy, cementing Rita Lee's status as the "Queen of Brazilian Rock" who never took herself too seriously. Why We Still Love It RITA LEE BWANA 1987 ( Video Original )
The word "Bwana" means "sir" or "boss" in Swahili, used here by Rita as a tongue-in-cheek term of endearment for the object of her affection. Listen & Watch: Watch the original clip on YouTube . Stream the full Flerte Fatal album on Spotify . If you grew up with the vibrant sounds
The track features Lincoln Olivetti on drums and synth bass, with a notable guitar performance by Sérgio Dias Baptista , Rita’s former bandmate from Os Mutantes. It frequently appeared on popular Brazilian music programs
"Bwana" was born during a prolific period for Rita Lee and Roberto de Carvalho. The song is a masterclass in Pop Rock and MPB fusion, featuring the slick production that defined their 80s output.
True to Rita’s style, the lyrics are full of humor and double entendres. She refers to herself as a "robot woman" ("mulher robô") and a lover of the bohemian life who can't cook but is full of "volúpia" (voluptuousness). The Iconic Video