Anitta Embraces Her Brazilian Roots on New Album 'Equilibrium'

The global superstar talks about her eclectic new release featuring Brazilian funk, samba, bossa nova and more

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-energy aesthetic that conceptually represents the musical style and cultural themes of Anitta's new album 'Equilibrium.'Anitta's new album 'Equilibrium' blends Brazilian musical traditions with contemporary pop flair, delivering a vibrant, globally-minded celebration of her cultural roots.NYC Today

Brazilian pop star Anitta is set to release her new album 'Equilibrium,' which she describes as her 'most Brazilian album' yet. The album features a diverse mix of Brazilian musical styles including funk, samba, bossa nova, and more, as well as collaborations with other Brazilian artists. Anitta says the album is about 'honoring Brazilian roots' and finding 'the middle way of doing things.' She recently performed two songs from the album during rehearsals for her 'Saturday Night Live' debut.

Why it matters

Anitta is one of Brazil's biggest global music stars, and 'Equilibrium' represents her most ambitious effort yet to showcase the rich musical diversity of her home country on an international stage. By blending traditional Brazilian genres with contemporary pop, Anitta aims to introduce her unique sound to a wider audience while staying true to her roots.

The details

Anitta's new album 'Equilibrium' features a wide range of Brazilian musical styles, including funk, samba, bossa nova, semba, reggae, and electronic pop, as well as a mix of Portuguese, Spanish and English lyrics. The album includes collaborations with other Brazilian artists like the rising songwriter Melly, the samba rock band Liniker, and the reggae group Ponto de Equilíbrio. Even the single 'Choka Choka' featuring Shakira pays homage to Brazilian funk with its energetic percussion. Anitta says the album is about 'honoring my roots' and 'elevating marginalized populations' in Brazil.

  • Anitta recently performed two songs from 'Equilibrium' during rehearsals for her 'Saturday Night Live' debut last week.
  • Anitta's last album 'Funk Generation' was released in 2024 and was a full-on tribute to Brazilian funk music.

The players

Anitta

A Brazilian pop superstar who is one of the country's most globally popular musicians since Astrud Gilberto.

Shakira

A Colombian superstar who is featured on the single 'Choka Choka' from Anitta's new album, performing in Portuguese.

Melly

A rising Brazilian songwriter who collaborated with Anitta on 'Equilibrium.'

Liniker

An award-winning Brazilian samba rock band that collaborated with Anitta on 'Equilibrium.'

Ponto de Equilíbrio

A Brazilian reggae band that collaborated with Anitta on 'Equilibrium.'

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What they’re saying

“Anitta wanted to create something for Brazil, but with an international touch. The Brazilian funk percussion 'has a lot of energy, a lot of intensity. And who better to represent that sound than Anitta and Shakira?'”

— Daramola, Co-producer of 'Choka Choka'

“I think this is the most Brazilian thing I've ever, ever done on television in America.”

— Anitta

“I really wanted to do an album honoring my roots.”

— Anitta

What’s next

Anitta is set to make her 'Saturday Night Live' debut, where she will likely perform songs from her new album 'Equilibrium.'

The takeaway

With 'Equilibrium,' Anitta has created an album that celebrates the rich musical diversity of her Brazilian heritage while also appealing to a global audience. By blending traditional styles with contemporary pop, she aims to introduce her unique sound to the world and elevate marginalized communities in Brazil.