Who did Djonga choose between Novak, Cafiero, and Capitu in Rhythm + Flow: Brazil? Details explored

Rhythm + Flow: Brazil premiered on November 12 on Netflix (USA) and featured a group of aspiring rappers competing for the crown of the rising star in the national rap scene.

Judge Djonga, who rose to fame in Belo Horizonte, returned to his hometown to set up a face-off between three aspiring local rappers, Novak, Cafiero, and Capitu. Mid-competition, Cafiero stumbled over his lines and was eliminated, leaving Djonga to choose Novak and Capitu to advance in the competition.

Titled The Next Big Thing, the synopsis for the episode read:

"Djonga, Filipe Ret, Tasha and Tracie visit their hometowns to find the next big thing in rap and select their first picks for the competition."

---

Rhythm + Flow: Brazil judge Djonga assesses Novak and Cafiero's performance

In Rhythm + Flow: Brazil episode 1, judge Djonga returned to his hometown, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. In his confessional, the judge shared that Minas Gerais is known for art and culture and he grew up with all of this surrounding him.

"When I used to rap battle at the overpass in Santa Tereza, that's when I started to realize how big the magnitude of the hip-hop movement was, you know I'm on a mission to find an artist who's completely capable. Someone who can bring something brand-new to the rap scene," he added.

Djonga was joined by special guest judge FBC whom he referred to as his "bro". The Rhythm + Flow: Brazil judge believed that FBC was the "number one guy" who was the one who brought everyone together "so all the battles could be fair"

The two judges reunited at the Santa Tereza Overpass, where the rap battle between Novak and Cafiero was set to take place. FBC described the location as the "center" and shared that it meant the world to him.

They were later joined by Novak and Cafiero, who introduced themselves before the face-off. When Djonga asked Novac how long he had been making music, he replied that it had been 11 to 12 years for him. He added:

"My name is Guilherme but everyone calls me Novak. I started battle rapping, but now I make my own music. And what's most important is to put my hood on the map."

Djonga praised Novak's performance, calling it "cool." He highlighted how Novak's punchlines enhanced his message and noted that his ability to switch up his flow added depth to the performance.

Next up was Cafiero. Before his performance, the contestants shared:

"I'm Cafiero. I'm from Aparecida, northwest side. I started out battling. I even released some songs. And I can promise you that I'm gonna give you everything I have."

While Cafiero started his performance with a ton of energy, he forgot his line mid-performance due the the pressure he was feeling. While time was left on the clock, he decided to freestyle.

Reacting to the performance, Djonga commented that Cafiero's flow was "very high quality." The Rhythm + Flow: Brazil judge also commented on the contestant on freestyling in the spot.

Last but not least, Capitu introduced herself in her confessional after her performance and shared that poetry came into her life "kind of as a way to let off steam".

She added that through the art form, she is able to speak her mind and get everything off her chest.

Djonga admired how the Rhythm + Flow: Brazil contestant "handled everything so calmly" during her performance, calling it truly impressive.

After all the performances, Judge Djonga announced that Capitu and Novak would be advancing in the competition.

He explained to Cafiero that he was eliminated for not finishing his song, emphasizing that as a performer, it's essential to remember one’s lines.

---

Rhythm + Flow: Brazil episodes 1-4 are available on Netflix (USA).