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Singing contest in Rio prison provides creative outlet for women behind bars
The third annual Voice of Liberty contest featured 15 inmates showcasing talents to aid rehabilitation and easing prison tension, Rio officials said.
- On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, a group of Brazilian women behind bars competed in a singing contest at the Djanira Dolores de Oliveira women's penitentiary, aiming to spotlight talents and boost confidence ahead of release.
- Rio's state prison administration authority held months of auditions, rehearsals, and makeup, costume and hair tests across four detention facilities to prepare contestants for this year's 'hope and emancipation' competition.
- Fifteen candidates performed on a purple-themed stage in the multipurpose hall before prison officials, volunteers and jurors David Brazil, actor and TV presenter, and Maurício Mattar, singer, who scored them.
- Fernanda Fernandes Domingues, 36 , revived her singing after incarceration, while Rilary Cristina Leite, 31 , aspires to sing professionally again.
- Many contestants said music empowers them, performing gospel and MPB including Rita Lee's 'Black Sheep', and plan TikTok videos after release.
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Singing contest in Rio prison offers creative outlet for women behind bars
Within a vast, echoing multipurpose hall, the fifteen candidates took turns to sing their hearts out on a purple-themed stage in front of an audience made up of prison officials, volunteers and fellow detainees, who clapped and sang along with them
·Pointe-Noire, Congo
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As a resocialization measure, inmates in Rio de Janeiro are allowed to demonstrate their skills at a music contest. Women practice for months for their performances.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
L 31%
C 65%
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