The arrest of a popular funk singer in Brazil on suspicion of glorifying a powerful crime gang has revived a long-standing debate over the criminalization of a genre born in Rio de Janeiro's gritty favelas, or slums.

Unlike its US namesake, which was popularized by James Brown, Rio funk borrows more from hip-hop, blended with samba and other Brazilian rhythms.

The lyrics, seen by many as celebrating favela drug lords, have repeatedly led to calls for songs to be censored.

Last week, MC Poze do Rodo, one of the genre's best-known artists with 16 million followers on Instagram, was arrested on charges of glorifying crime and having links to Comando Vermelho (CV), one of Brazil's biggest gangs.

The authorities said his arrest aimed to send a message to those "who romanticize and help spre

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