CUFA – Central Unique of Slums is a solid organization, nationally recognized by the political, social, sporting and cultural spheres. It was created from the union between youngsters from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro – mainly blacks – who sought space to express their attitudes, or simply questioning their will to live. The organization has the rapper MV Bill as one of its founders, that has rec
eived numerous awards due to his active participation in the Hip Hop movement. Besides him, another of CUFA’s founders is Gizza Nega, a strong reference in the world of female rap, known and respected for her commitment and dedication to social causes. Nega Gizza is also director of Hutuz, the largest Rap festival of Latin America, also produced by CUFA. Hip Hop is the main way of expression for CUFA it is a tool of integration and social inclusion. Because it is a movement that, for 20 years, survives delineated in Brazilian ghettos, it grows and grows stronger each day, even without the support of the media, gathering fans from all socioeconomic strata and leaving behind the label “culture the excluded. ” Throughout its existence, the Hip Hop movement is creating a strong and attractive, potential, and still opens doors to new unexplored business niches. Through its own language, the CUFA intends to expand its forms and possibilities of expression and range through spreading awareness among underprivileged strata of the population with vocational training workshops and other activities that build self-esteem and offering new perspectives. Acting as a center of cultural production since 1999, through partnerships, grants and sponsorships, CUFA shapes and informs the citizens of Rio de Janeiro and 25 other Brazilian states plus the Federal District. Among the projects undertaken by CUFA, there are courses and workshops in areas such as: Break dancing, Graffiti, Street Basketball, Skateboarding, Computer courses, culinary, Audiovisual and many others with emphasis promoted in education, sport, culture and citizenship with manpower itself. The CUFA team is composed largely by young people trained in workshops for and programs offered by the institution that are from the disadvantaged sections of society, mostly slum dwellers. Among the actions that print legitimacy to the work of CUFA, is the memorable HUTÚZ – the only major event focused exclusively on the expression and Hip Hop, a milestone and benchmark for this culture. Besides HUTUZ, there is LIIBRA – International Street Basketball League, inspired within the organic HUTÚZ 2003, when youngsters at the event played basketball with improvised trash bin used as the hoop. Since then the sport gained space at HUTÚZ 2004 and a national championship in 2005. Currently CUFA’s, HUTÚZ and LIIBRA are trademarks of a unique identity, unprecedented initiatives that retain, their own public. Although this is not necessarily linked to the performance areas of each of the events, CUFA itself as an institution makes a difference.
