Brazilian rapper Oruam, whose real name is Mauro Davi dos Santos Nepomuceno, was arrested on Thursday, October 20, 2023, along the coast of Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, after attempting to evade police during a traffic stop. The incident, confirmed by g1 and witnessed by multiple sources, saw Oruam performing what is known as a "cavalo de pau" maneuver—an illegal stunt involving spinning the car—before driving against traffic.
Oruam's arrest follows his being stopped at a police checkpoint, and he was taken to the 16th Police Station (DP) for questioning. A video circulating on social media captured the rapper being placed inside a police vehicle as crowds gathered around, with officers employing pepper spray to disperse the onlookers.
The 23-year-old artist, best known for his hit song 'Oh Garota Eu Quero Você Só Pra Mim,' which became the most streamed track on Spotify Brazil, is the son of notorious drug lord Marcinho VP, currently incarcerated for serious crimes including murder and drug trafficking. This background raises significant public interest and scrutiny surrounding Oruam’s behavior.
Known for his tattoos honoring his father and infamous drug lord Elias Maluco, Oruam has previously drawn attention for his controversial actions. Most recently, during his performance at the 2024 Lollapalooza festival, he wore a shirt depicting his father alongside the word "freedom," which sparked backlash on social media, highlighting his complicated heritage associated with crime and violence.
While specific details about the charges against Oruam remain unclear, the rapper's ties to his father and the broader narrative of crime in Brazil paint a troubling picture of the challenges faced by young artists from such backgrounds.
Marcinho VP, who has spent much of his life imprisoned since he was 20, is one of the leading figures of the Comando Vermelho criminal organization, facing over fifty years of sentences for various severe offenses. His influence persists even from behind bars, with Federal Police intercepting communications showing his significance within the crime world.
Oruam's recent troubles come alongside actions taken against him by public officials; earlier this year, São Paulo city councilor Amanda Vettorazzo filed a police report following threats she received after he criticized her and her legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting public contracts with artists promoting crime and drugs.
This arrest adds another layer of complexity to Oruam's already tumultuous narrative, intertwining his musical career with the legacy of crime originating from his father's notorious position within the drug trade. The questions surrounding his future as both an artist and as Marcinho VP's son maintain public intrigue.