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Prisoners' Voices Soar in Rio Singing Contest
24 Jan
Summary
- Inmates participated in a singing competition within a Rio de Janeiro prison.
- The event aimed to boost confidence and aid rehabilitation before release.
- This year's theme was 'hope and emancipation,' marking the third such contest.
On January 23, 2026, fifteen women incarcerated in Rio de Janeiro participated in the 'Voice of Liberty' singing contest. Held within a multipurpose hall in the Djanira Dolores de Oliveira penitentiary, the event aimed to spotlight inmate talents and boost their confidence.
Competitors performed various genres, including gospel and Brazilian popular music, in front of an audience of officials, volunteers, and fellow detainees. A panel of jurors, including actor David Brazil and singer Maurício Mattar, evaluated their performances. Fernanda Fernandes Domingues, 36, was awarded first prize.
This marked the third year the Rio de Janeiro state prison administration organized the competition, with this year's theme being 'hope and emancipation.' Officials stated the objective is to rehabilitate through culture, which also helps ease the inherent tension within the prison environment.




