fernanda abreu is the quintessential female voice of brazilian funk - sometimes titled 'the first lady of brazilian funk', fernanda abreu's 1992 hit 'rio 40 graus', composed by fausto fawcett and carlos laufer, was the song that shot her to stardom.

the title of the song is a reference to the average temperature in rio de janeiro, while its lyrics go on to describe everyday life in rio, and the tremendous contrasts within the city, the songs also looks at the natural beauty of the city and the high level of crime and corruption that plagued its streets at that time.     ● lyrics ● play ●