Rockefeller Plaza, an iconic landmark in Manhattan, was being transformed into an open-air stage. The spotlights illuminated the area, contrasting with the soft glow of the surrounding buildings. The production crew worked frantically, adjusting sound equipment, testing lights, and organizing the space for the performance. Meanwhile, the first fans began to gather behind the barriers, many wearing Anitta t-shirts and holding Brazilian flags. The energy was palpable, even before the sun rose.
As a photojournalist, my goal was to capture not only Anitta’s performance but also the unique atmosphere of this event. A concert at 8 a.m. in the heart of Manhattan is something surreal. As I adjusted my lenses and checked my camera settings, I observed the movement around me. Curious tourists stopped to see what was happening, and locals, accustomed to the city’s frenetic pace, went about their day but not without a curious glance.
By 7:30 a.m., the crowd had grown significantly. The anticipation was visible on the faces of the fans, many of whom had woken up before dawn to secure a good spot. The Today Show team began to warm up the crowd, and the first chords of Brazilian music echoed through the speakers, setting the mood. The sun started to rise on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, creating the perfect backdrop for the show.
When Anitta finally took the stage around 8 a.m., the energy exploded. Dressed in a vibrant and stylish outfit, she brought a piece of Brazil to the heart of New York. Her presence was magnetic, and every movement, every smile, was captured by the lenses of dozens of cameras, including mine. The mix of funk, pop, and Brazilian rhythms electrified the crowd, who sang and danced as if they were at a festival in Rio de Janeiro, not on a Friday morning in Manhattan.
One of the most memorable moments was when Anitta interacted with the fans, smiling and waving at the cameras. At one point, she looked directly into my lens, and I captured that look full of determination and joy. It was as if she was saying, “I’m here, representing Brazil, and I’m going to make my mark.” The morning sunlight illuminated her face, creating an image that encapsulated all the energy and pride of that moment.
The show was short but intense. In less than an hour, Anitta managed to turn Rockefeller Plaza into a global stage, showcasing the power of Brazilian music to the world. As she left the stage, the fans were still singing her songs, and I knew I had witnessed something special. That show wasn’t just another performance; it was a milestone in Anitta’s career and a testament to the power of music to unite cultures and people.
As I packed up my gear, I could still feel the adrenaline from the coverage. The early morning in Manhattan, the chill in the air, the rising sun, and the energy of the crowd all blended together in my memory. And, of course, there was that perfect photo, captured at just the right moment, that told the story of a Brazilian artist conquering the world—an image that made every minute of waiting and every effort to be there, in that place, at that instant, completely worth it.
Photos by William Volcov, all copyright rights reserved to the author of the images.
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