A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
[singing] ♪ Nearer, my God to Thee ♪
♪ Nearer to Thee ♪
NANDO WHERE ARE YOU?
Are you okay?
If you need anything, you know where to find me.
I know God is guiding every one of your steps.
CLOSED FOR MOURNING
- What's up, little brother? - Hey, bro.
Remember when it was just a warehouse?
Or just a small shop.
This is crazy, bro.
Your pops was dope.
XI MARKET CLOSED FOR MOURNING
Now it's all yours, bro.
Thanks for everything.
I was wondering...
Do you want to work with us at the store?
I'm trying for a job at the church.
[gasps]
I'm so glad you've found God's path.
It's really good for Doni to have you around.
As for Luiz Fernando, ah...
Oh, Nando...
Nando is distancing himself more and more.
Don't let this distance come between you, darling. Please.
What's going on?
- I came here to support Nando. - What for?
[cell phone chiming]
Why is Formiga here?
We're late for Doni's.
You know his best friend's father just died, don't you?
Go and tell him he has to go.
- He has to go to his friend's house. - There's nothing I can do.
Nando, when will you be done?
- Nando, talk to me. - [cell phone chiming]
RITA WHERE R U, NANDO?
[Badá] The money we're short is the rat's part. I want to see him squeak.
Now go and deal with the cops.
Nando, listen to me. You always complained you had no family.
Chico was family. I'm your family.
You promised to always be there for me.
You're not doing that.
- Let's go. - Okay.
[door closes]
And the grocery store?
What should we do?
It'll be closed for the week and we'll think about it later.
Pops would get mad. Let's open as usual.
You're right.
You'll have to pick up the stock later.
Can't leave it there.
I'll do it. Rita can help me.
I can't picture life without your dad.
But having you by my side...
comforts me.
Doni...
We've always done everything,
everything for you.
But now,
it's time for you to grow up.
[helicopter whirring and sirens blaring]
[siren approaching]
[siren chirping]
Get out of the car with your hands on your head. Go!
Slowly, slowly.
Against the wall.
Where's the money?
It's all in there, right? Can I trust you?
- I couldn't get all of it, sir. - You what?
What do you mean?
I made a deal with Badá.
I brought you the cash you're going to get. It's all we had.
Look, Badáand I had a deal. This is not what we agreed. Are you joking?
No, sir. Sales are down, you know.
I don't give a shit about it!
Badáis not complying with the agreement.
Damn it!
You know, it's hard to find a straight shooter like you.
Your boss must be very happy.
You know it's a short career.
A smart guy like you, wise...
- Top gun, rolling with the Higher Ranks... - I am not with the Higher Ranks.
- You got a baby girl to raise, right? - That's not it.
That's what people say.
Listen here and do me a favor.
Why don't you ask Badá
to be a little nicer to us?
I help you, you help me.
Your business can keep cashing in.
I have your back, you have my back. Right?
Your freedom is worth more than that, isn't it?
Watch your back, boy.
[engine starts]
[Nando] Good afternoon.
Hi, bro, are you good?
Hey, good afternoon.
- Hey, bro. - All good?
- How's Auntie doing? - She's okay.
Where were you, Nando?
Nando.
- You've changed, dude. - [cell phone chimes]
Only thinking of your own stuff.
[keys clicking]
I don't recognize you.
Are you going to preach to me now?
This is no godly thing, get real!
Why are you talking to me like that?
Huh?
Because you wear fancy clothes?
Because you're a big shot in the 'hood?
Nando, I'm not afraid of you.
Rita, when you're in trouble, we help you.
When Doni's in trouble, we help him.
When I'm in trouble, I'm all alone.
You don't think I wanted to be there?
You know nothing about my life.
So, tell me, you can trust me.
Hey! What are you doing? You two are fighting now?
[cell phone chimes]
MÁRCIA - THERE IS SOME SHIT GOING AROUND ABOUT ONE OF OURS
Wasn't your manager going to get you on TV?
Yeah, when is it?
- Today. - Today?
Bro, if you want, I'll give you a ride.
- No need, I'm good. - Doni, this is important for you.
MÁRCIA COME OVER NOW
Don't give up. It's your dream, your career.
I have some shit to handle, but I'll take you there.
- No need. - Are you sure?
Count on me, bro.
Bye, Rita.
What time is that?
No idea. I don't think I'm going.
What do you mean, you're not going? It's your dream, your career.
- You have to go, homey! - Why?
I'm trapped in this store!
- I'm just hotheaded right now, okay? - Mm-hm.
What's up?
Hey, bro.
What is this?
I told Formiga we had no bullets. This shit's selling a lot.
So, if I'm not here, nobody eats or wipes their asses? You don't do anything?
You have it out with him.
Don't give me that crap! If we're out of something, go and get it.
Where's Formiga?
[man] Hey, Nando.
All chill, bro?
Chill. You good?
There's a dude looking for you. He knows the boss.
Hey, bro. What's the matter?
Everybody knows it. It's the rules.
If you don't comply, you can't complain.
Now she comes to me and says she won't pay? This is a mess!
She's playing us for fools?
Badásaid you're going to put an end to this matter.
You're not gonna say anything?
Hold on, man. I didn't get it.
That hag thinks she can sell booze at the block party without paying the fee.
- What hag? - The one with the cooler.
Wait. Are you the bar owner who got in a fight with the booze lady?
Is that the shit you want me to handle?
- I'm not the one asking you. It's Badá. - [cell phone chimes]
He's my boy from back in the day.
So, what's the procedure?
Bring her here so I can talk to her.
Okay?
[pastor] Thus spoke Jesus:
"God sends fools to confound the wise."
You know that among these 2,000 people,
I noticed from up there
the precise moment when God touched your heart.
I had a vision.
He showed me
that he has big plans for you.
But, child, what do you want here?
[Rita] I want to help, pastor.
My child,
you can't admit it to me.
Do you have the courage to admit to yourself what you really want?
It's not a sin to be ambitious.
Getting to know God's word is a path.
But tell me, what do you want?
- I want to spread God's word. - You can already do that.
Just go to those in need and pray with them.
I want to be up there, just like you.
My child,
in order to spread God's word,
you must have a clear overview.
The pastor is a guide, someone who can see far ahead,
who can steer his sheep
towards the promised land.
We sense this calling, but it doesn't happen overnight.
Every gift needs to be groomed and prepared.
You need to be engaged in the church,
first as a volunteer, then as an employee.
What does your family think about this,
- about you going down this road? - I don't have anyone.
I won't make it.
My head's elsewhere.
You have to go, Doni.
It's a great opportunity, man.
I worked my ass off to book you there.
I just came here to give you the heads-up.
[sighs] I know it's a tough moment.
Such is life, my friend.
You need to toughen up your psyche.
I'm going with you.
Look...
I also lost my dad when I was a kid.
So, I know exactly how you're feeling.
But now,
you're your own boss.
And you have to make a call on what to do.
If you want to be stuck in the grocery store
or get out there and sing,
do what you love the most.
[cell phone chimes]
Oh. Your car's here.
Go ahead, I'll meet you there.
♪ She shakes her buns, shakes her buns To the cavaco sound ♪
♪ Of course, of course She shakes her buns to the cavaco sound ♪
♪ Then she gives it away real easy ♪
- ♪ Then... ♪ - ♪ Then she gives it away real easy ♪
♪ Then... ♪
Damn! This crazy Jussara again.
[Jussara] I won't have them breaking my bottles. Who is in charge here?
I was working.
Let's get this over with.
Jussara, you're banned from the block party, okay?
You only make trouble and don't even pay the sound-wall fee.
Look at you! So, you're the one who's going to solve this problem?
I'm representing our brother Badá, who's in jail,
but who knows everything that happens in the 'hood.
[Jussara] Well, okay, then... [laughs]
Badáis doing pretty well! [laughs]
Jussara, we'll deal with this respectfully or shit will go down.
I won't waste my time on you.
Okay, then, let's do this respectfully.
Who's going to make up for my losses?
Because they went up there,
broke my cart and all my bottles. Who's going to pay?
Is that true, Anderson?
We went and talked to her nicely. But she acted like a bitch to the boys.
Talked nicely?
You offended me right away, shoving your finger in my face,
threatening me with your thug buddies. What was that?
Now you're playing the victim?
You're a troublemaker, everybody knows.
I was minding my own business.
You called the boys in. Suck it up now.
I don't need no thugs! Go to hell, bitch!
- Oh, yeah? Here... - Enough! Let's sort this out!
[Cacau] Rita! Rita!
- Rita! Help me! They took my mom. - What happened?
Nando cornered her! You have to help me!
Girl, I'm sorry, but if he took her, there's nothing we can do.
No! Only you can help! Talk to him, he'll listen!
I can't meddle in this anymore.
I'm in the church now, I'm on a different path, you know?
I'm so sorry.
You said you had changed,
that you weren't selfish anymore.
I trusted you,
I forgave you.
I'm your best friend.
I'm asking you,
in Jesus's name.
Come with me.
[Doni] Donizete, MC Doni.
You're not on the list.
Do you think I'm making it up? Check it out.
You don't look like a funk singer.
What does one look like?
Do I need a gold chain and a cap for you to let me through?
Hey, gorgeous.
He's MC Doni. I spoke to Claudinei, he knows.
He's not on the list.
He's last-minute, but it's all settled.
- Hey. - What the hell's this shit?
Chill, man. Abusive producers are all the same.
- Follow me, please. MC Doni, right? - Yeah.
[Anderson] I won't pay anything, you hear me?
And if she shows up with her cooler again, we'll break her.
So, I'm not supposed to work? Is that it?
Okay, but don't forget I'm not by myself.
[man] Hey, Nando. How is it going to be?
He's annoying my aunt!
Plus, it's just a cooler. Damn!
You guys sell ten times more than me and you want to tax me?
Did you at least give her the heads-up to pay for something?
- [Jussara] He didn't! - She doesn't have a crystal ball.
Everybody knows you've gotta pay your fair share.
Okay, let me break it down.
Pay your fair share and it's all good.
Pay her fair share? What about all her stuff they broke?
If we see her at the block party, shit will stink. She's crazy.
Crazy, my ass!
Is that how you're going to deal with this?
We do right by the righteous, you know? You have to fork out.
Then why is nobody paying for my losses?
Right by the righteous? How is it right to keep her from working?
Your methods aren't right, man.
And I won't have it. Not here, bro.
Then let's bring it to the warehouse.
Let's escalate this, call a dialogue with the brothers.
You're forgetting that Badáput you here for this,
isn't that right?
[woman] Is there any funk stuff in the wardrobe?
Some bling or something?
Look, that's what we've got.
Next time you get someone to fill in, send them in the right outfit.
[Doni] Fill in, dude?
That's why I wasn't on the list?
We should thank the other MC for bailing.
It's super hard to get a slot with Bruno Soares.
You said they wanted me, that all this was for me.
Today's the worst day.
You have to seize the opportunity when it comes, man.
[sighs] I'm dressed like a clown.
Listen, you get in and answer his questions quickly.
He'll announce your track,
playback will roll and your mic will be off.
Any questions?
Hey, cheer up!
No sad face, no sad stories.
Bruno likes a big smile, a cool attitude.
Go in there, be playful and charming with the girls.
He loves that. Do it like that and it's going to be a hit.
Bro, Badáput me here, all right?
Sure you want to go over his head?
My aunt isn't leaving without getting compensated by him.
[Jussara] What's going on?
What are you doing here, Rita? Do you want to ruin Cacau's life again?
[Cacau] I asked her to come.
- Bro, get your aunt under control. - Calm down.
[Jussara] Are we going to solve this or what?
You're a dirty asshole,
and you're some motherfuckers, nobody's here to solve my problem!
- Easy! - [Cacau] Mom, do you want to die?
Shut up! Do you want to drag me down? Damn!
Do you still want to escalate this issue?
[Jussara] So, what's it going to be?
I have to work to provide for my daughter.
I always did my own hustle, I don't depend on men or anyone.
- Can I say something? - No, Rita. It's over.
I've always done my own hustle.
I'm sick and tired...
I hated you so much.
You did what you did to protect Cacau.
I'm not saying it was right.
People make mistakes.
Nobody can judge anybody.
Everybody deserves a second chance.
[Nando] So, that's it. A second chance.
Jussara can set foot in the block party once she's paid the sound-wall fee.
You have to compensate her.
You can't go berserk without consulting us first.
That's all. Now everybody go home.
[man] All right, Nando.
Let's go.
[Rita] Cacau, see you around.
Hey, Rita...
Thanks.
Thank you. Really, I'll never forget that.
You're welcome.
My bad.
Okay, just don't do it again.
Don't say it was God's work because you've always been a busybody.
[chuckles]
MC Doni! What's up, brother?
NEW FUNK TALENT MC DONI SPEAKS OUT
Everybody wants to know about MC Doni.
How long have you been a funk artist?
I guess since I was born.
Wow, good answer!
There's something that arouses my curiosity: to be a funk artist,
what does it take?
You need to sing, have some style, right?
- And be true to who you are. - Some style?
We have tons of style on our show!
Come here... We're never short on style!
Am I right? Yeah!
- Ah! Yeah, style! [whoops] - [audience laughing]
MC Doni!
[Bruno whooping]
Here is our show... Hand me your cap.
- [mouthing] - What do you think?
Am I looking like those kids from the 'hood parties?
FIRST TIME ON TV: MC DONI
Yeah! What do you think?
I don't think he liked the joke very much.
- Oh, well... Ah! - [audience jeering]
But, hey,
I'm glad you're the funk singer because I don't have a knack for that.
But let's move on and make some music.
IT'S TIME: MC DONI SINGS
Because MC Doni will be singing on our show
for the first time ever!
"A Roll in Our Ride"!
- "Rolling in Our Ride." - Oh, I'm sorry!
MC Doni singing MC Dondoka's hit:
- "A Roll in Our Ride"! - It's my song.
Eh.
[audience laughs]
["Rolling in Our Ride" playing over speakers]
MC DONI SINGS DONDOKA'S BIG HIT
[lip-synching] ♪ We've been struggling For a long time ♪
♪ People don't understand our situation ♪
♪ They got impressed with our lifestyle ♪
♪ Every time they see our homeboys Riding a whip ♪
It's my fault.
I'd cheer you on, since you were little.
You don't remember that.
[Doni] All I want to do is sing.
It's my dream.
[lip-synching] ♪ Tonight's the party Speed up that ride ♪
♪ We're all coming, we're all coming ♪
- [Doni on recording] ♪ DJ... ♪ - [music stops]
What's going on, MC Doni?
I'm going to sing a different song.
Dad, this one's for you.
[singing a cappella] ♪ It's not easy To get to where I am today ♪
♪ I had to keep on hustling real hard ♪
♪ Mom, thanks for your prayers ♪
♪ For being there And for all your support ♪
♪ People would say I don't belong To the 'hood that has seen me grow up ♪
♪ Dad, thanks for your motivation ♪
♪ I really wish you were here now ♪
[audience clapping]
♪ But I moved and kept on pushing I know I can fulfill my dreams ♪
♪ Of being a successful funk artist To be cheered by those who criticized me ♪
♪ There is no heaven without a fight ♪
♪ So, we will never give up ♪
♪ It won't be easy, but that's no excuse ♪
♪ Make it happen I will get there, you bet ♪
♪ There is no heaven without a fight ♪
♪ So, we will never give up ♪
♪ It won't be easy, but that's no excuse ♪
♪ Make it happen I will get there, you bet ♪
[applause]
[Bruno] MC Doni!
[audience chanting] Doni! Doni! Doni!
MC DONI HONORS HIS FATHER WITH UNRELEASED SONG
[Doni singing a capella over phone]
[Doni] I have no idea what overtook me.
You made an homage to your dad.
If he were here, he'd get it. Right?
Yeah, bro.
- Yeah, I know. - [cell phone chimes]
But I need to take a break from everything.
CACAU COME BY TOMORROW?
- [Nando] Are you crazy? - What?
[Nando] You don't have the right.
Singing on-stage, performing... This dream isn't yours alone.
We dreamed that together back there.
I know, but Éder was pissed.
- [Rita] That dude is shortsighted, Doni. - [Nando] He's such a loser.
I got it from day one.
I know, but it was wild in there. It was the first time I felt like...
singing for my dad, just something special, you know?
People liked it, they wanted to listen.
Why are you still with this manager?
He's in the past. Leave him.
I can't just walk away.
He doesn't believe in you.
- Did you sign anything? - No, we just have each other's word.
- [Rita] Ah. Really? - What do you want to do?
Partner up with someone who listens to what I have to say about us,
my family, the 'hood. I don't want to be seen as a piece of merch.
All right,
let's go talk to this man.
[Doni] Deal.
Doni, this business is a swamp.
You'll drown in no time without me, bro.
I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. Now I need to do things my way.
Tell me what else you need. I'll get it to you. You name it.
Do you want a bigger team?
Make more videos? It could be good.
I have friends in country music who can put you at some festivals.
I see. Did someone call you?
Nobody, man. I just want to sing about stuff I live.
The big shots are after you.
I get it.
Then, just pay the fine and go on.
Fine? There's no contract!
[Éder] And the investments I made?
Are you crazy? I paid for everything!
- So, you want to play the smart-ass? - [Nando] Hold up, hold up.
You already had your share on his work,
and got your money back.
Do you want to hold back his progress?
The kid's a bird, he has to fly away and sing.
Are you going to be his manager?
I'm his brother.
Damn it!
Doni, you told me that Éder paid for the video.
Where did you get that money?
I borrowed from that guy, Miro.
Bro, you have to pay it soon.
Or you'll be fucked.
Is that what you wanted?
Just hear him out.
I know you don't want to see me, but I can't stop thinking about you.
I'm here to apologize.
You're a nice guy.
But your life is not for me.
I've changed.
This path is not for me either.
What's up?
I've seen too much stuff,
shit gets crazier every day, and I don't want to go to jail or...
God has a plan for everyone.
My path won't cross yours.
I decided to wait on the Lord.
My path is now with God.
- Hi, pastor. - My child.
I'm ready to be baptized.
- Are you? - Yes.
Pastor Sueli told me a whole different story.
About your father, who turned against God,
and about the bitterness of your mother.
I'm going to baptize you,
but you go after your father
because family is divine work.
I have to go.
Give it some thought.
♪ DJ RD, MC Menor MR ♪
♪ Yet another one, huh? ♪
♪ If you have a dream You gotta focus, persist ♪
♪ Never let them change your mind ♪
♪ Go on with your head up high And listen to your heart's voice ♪
♪ Money not only attracts whores But also deceives many idiots ♪
♪ Who fall prey to the appeal Of easy money ♪
♪ And get lost with so much thrill ♪
♪ Still as a child, I learned ♪
♪ That a real rascal Maintains his principles ♪
♪ Just because you're into pot Doesn't mean you're the bomb ♪
♪ You're delaying your return... ♪
- [Rita] Spit it out. - Calm down.
- Damn it! - Come on!
[on recording] Doni, this is Wilson from Brasil Records.
Your performance on the TV show was dope. Drop by the label so we can talk.
- Holy shit, man! - [all laughing]
- Awesome! - I can't believe it!
- I told you I'd be someone in this shit! - Wow!
More than just someone, bro.
You'll be a hit, bro.
We're getting to the top. The tables have turned, man!
[chuckles] You'll be at my baptism, right?
- Of course! - Ah!
[Rita chuckles]
- I'll be there. - Mm-hm.
[Doni chuckles]
My brother, we're family above all, you know. All the way down.
Yeah.
Yeah, we do what we have to do to survive, you know?
It doesn't matter what we do,
- we'll always be together, right? - You bet!
- Are we a family or not, Nando? - We sure are!
[beatboxing and laughing]
- [Badáon phone] Get to the den. - [Nando] Did I do something wrong, Badá?
[Badá] Get to the warehouse now.
[Torto] Hey, my brothers. Bring it here.
I got Badáon the line. Hey, Badá!
[Badáon phone] Hey, guys. Firstly, I'd like to thank everybody
for being here. I wish I was there
to welcome another brother into our family.
You can get started, Torto.
[Torto] The brother has shown loyalty, brotherhood,
organization skills, and sincerity above all.
You, guy with the book,
jot down what I say:
Registration number 178882, got that?
Since brother Badáis doing some time,
he'll do the baptism with me, all right?
- Bring it on. - Hey, Badá, the time is now.
[Badá] Yeah, Torto. That's how we roll.
Word up, brotherhood, since day one, this kid's been solid.
He'd jump off a cliff with us.
He works directly for me.
[pastor] My dear and beloved ones,
we are gathered here today in the name of Jesus,
to baptize these souls
in his faith and words.
- Amen, church. - [congregation] Amen!
Our celebrity's here.
Welcome, Doni.
Thanks. This office is dope.
[Torto] He has shown true commitment. Forget about friends, partners and family.
If the Organization calls up, you have to show up to the missions.
By reading this statute,
you'll confirm 100 percent you want to become a brother.
[pastor] Now, raise your hands,
and let's confess our faith.
- Dear God. - [all] Dear God.
[pastor] I recognize your great love for me.
- [all] I recognize your great love for me. - [Nando] "The utmost loyalty,
respect and solidarity to the Organization.
The struggle for freedom, justice and peace.
The contribution of those who are free to help the brothers who are in prison,
such as lawyer fees, money, family support..."
[pastor] For you gave your son, Jesus Christ...
[all] For you gave your son, Jesus Christ...
[Doni] What about the changes in the contract? All good?
[Wilson] Yeah, sure. No worries.
So, you're saying I can produce the songs the way I want to?
Absolutely. The lawyers are taking care of everything.
Then let's finish this so we can celebrate!
- Sure. - [pastor] I recognize my sin.
[congregation] I recognize my sin.
[pastor] And I regret living apart from you.
[all] And I regret living apart from you.
[Nando] "The Organization doesn't admit lies, betrayals, envy,
greed, slander, selfishness, and self-interest.
Whereas the truth, fidelity, manhood,
solidarity, and an interest in the common good are all cherished."
[pastor] And I ask you for forgiveness.
[all] And I ask you for forgiveness.
[pastor] In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
[all] Amen!
- [Nando] "Freedom, justice, peace, - [all] Amen!
equality, and union."
[Torto] Hey, brothers, here's to freedom, peace,
justice, and union.
[Wilson] Doni, I really admire your work.
But we should think about assembling a more professional team.
A more experienced manager...
Your friend seemed a bit... Nando, right?
No...
I can trust Nando. They're all top-notch professionals.
Okay. Check this out... This pen here
won lots of Grammys,
and has written many names in history.
It's your turn now.
[woman] Glory be to God!
Glory be to God!
Child,
today is the day when your family
is our Lord Jesus's family.
From now on, you'll leave behind
everything and everyone that isn't in accordance
with God's teachings.
Are you ready?
Rita, are you ready to be born again in Christ?
Let's do this. You, man, with the book, got your pen? The time is now.
- Name. - Luiz Fernando Silva.
- City and district. - São Paulo, Vila Áurea.
I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son...
- [Nando] Good afternoon! - Good afternoon!
Amen!
Date of birth.
May 6th, 2000.
Married.
GODFATHER REGISTRATION NUMBER
Nando, welcome to the Organization. From now on, you're our brother.
[Wilson] Let's celebrate!
Cheers!
[Badáon phone] Hey, brotherhood. We have new blood in the family
to take our name forward. We're here for progress.
A toast to MC Doni, the newest artist of Brasil Records!
Cheers!
[Badá] We're in this together, brother.
Keep it real.
Badá, thanks for the opportunity. I'm here to make it stronger.
We're together now and always.
Brother, you're the person I trust most in the world.
This is our dream, and we're in this together.
- That's right, brother. - This is your way out of that life.
- Soon you'll be in this picture with me. - Come here, Doni.
- Come on, you too. - No, I'm good.
- You're the man! - Stop, bro, you're the best.
- Yeah, we rule. - Vila Áurea's the shit!
Subtitle translation by Patricia Bins Ely