Baseball season is in full swing as is Gabby B, who performed the National Anthem at Wrigley Field last year. Since then, the Brazilian-born pop artist “boss-babe” has recorded Funklândia on her independent label Muy Bueno. The upcoming EP draws from Baile Funk while incorporating pop vibes with songs in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. As fans explore her musical universe, Rebellious scored an interview with the Funklândia MVP.
Janet Arvia: Thanks to your EP XOXO (2025), you were named one of Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Singers to Have on the Radar.
Gabby B: That recognition meant so much to me…[It] felt incredibly validating, especially knowing how much work, growth, and passion went into XOXO. It reminded me that people are really listening and paying attention to my artistry. For my career, it gave me a boost of confidence and visibility at a really important moment. It opened new conversations, introduced my music to new audiences, and motivated me to keep pushing creatively.
You rose to fame via social media. What advice do you have for aspiring online singers/dancers or influencers in general?
My biggest advice is to be consistent and be yourself. Social media can open so many doors, but people connect most with authenticity. Don’t try to copy what everyone else is doing just because it’s trending. Find what makes you unique and lean into that. It’s also important to treat it like a real job. That means showing up even when you don’t feel inspired, practicing your craft, learning how the platforms work, and being patient with your growth. Success online rarely happens overnight.
As a Brazilian artist, you blend Brazilian funk, Reggaeton and Latin pop to complement themes of love, empowerment and self-expression. How do these various music genres and timeless themes work together to convey your message?
Blending these styles allows me to express different sides of myself while still keeping a clear message. Whether a song is playful, confident, or more emotional, the rhythm invites people in, and the themes help them connect on a deeper level. My goal is always for listeners to feel free to be themselves, to feel confident in who they are, and to move with that energy. That’s how the music and the message come together.
Your single “Playboy Bunny” (2025) redefines the iconic imagery of the notorious men’s magazine.
For me, it’s not about being objectified, it’s about owning your confidence and choosing how you show up. With “Playboy Bunny,” I’m flipping the narrative and turning that symbol into one of self-worth, power, and control. The song is about recognizing your value and not letting anyone define you or limit you. It’s playful and bold, but it’s also empowering. I want people to feel confident in their own skin, comfortable expressing themselves, and proud of who they are. That’s what the bunny represents to me now.
“Faz Assim” (2026) marks your first true entry into the heart of Brazilian funk, what drew you to this genre at this point in your career?
Brazilian funk has always had a special place in my heart. I grew up surrounded by those beats, that energy, and that attitude. It’s the music I heard at family gatherings, parties, and in everyday life, so it’s always felt natural to me. I’ve always loved how funk makes you feel confident, free, and unapologetic. With “Faz Assim,” I felt ready to go all in and fully embrace that love for funk.
The title translates to “Do It Like This.” What does that phrase represent to you in terms of vibe, energy, or attitude?
To me, it’s all about confidence and attitude. It’s that moment where you know who you are and you’re not asking for permission anymore. It also reflects the vibe of Brazilian funk, where the music tells you how to feel through rhythm and movement.
What does it mean to you culturally to be welcomed into the mainstream Brazilian funk scene as a Brazilian-born artist based internationally?
It means everything to me. Brazilian funk is such a strong part of our culture, and being welcomed into that space feels incredibly validating, especially as someone who was born in Brazil but built my career internationally. It feels like a full-circle moment, where my roots and my journey finally meet. Culturally, it represents belonging and pride. It shows that no matter where life takes you, your roots stay with you, and they still recognize you.
You’ve called “Faz Assim” the beginning of a new era, what can fans expect next from this series of Brazil-created records?
This new era is really about evolution. With this series of Brazil-created records, fans can expect music that feels alive and energetic from the first beat. Dance and rhythm will always be at the center of it. At the same time, fans can expect more collaborations that bring in different voices and perspectives. I’m also excited to show a more melodic side of Brazilian funk, something that isn’t done as often. It’s still rooted in funk, but with more emotion, melody, and musical layers. This era is about pushing boundaries while staying true to where it all comes from.
Looking back on your evolution as an artist, how meaningful is this moment, entering the heart of funk, compared to your past milestones?
Funk has always been part of my life, but reaching this point means I’m finally able to represent it fully, with confidence and intention. Compared to past milestones, this one feels like alignment. It feels like everything I’ve learned, explored, and built over the years has led me here, and that makes it one of the most powerful moments in my evolution as an artist.
Since both of your parents worked in the entertainment industry, you knew at a young age that you wanted to be a performer. If you couldn’t be a singer/dancer, what other occupation would you have pursued?
I would definitely pursue acting. I’ve always loved storytelling and expressing emotion through performance, whether it’s on stage or on screen. Acting feels very natural to me because it allows me to step into different characters and tell stories in a deeper way. And honestly, I really want to be in a horror movie one day. Even as a singer and dancer, acting plays a big role in how I perform and connect with an audience, so it’s something I’ve always felt drawn to.
What makes you rebellious?
I think what makes me rebellious is that I refuse to fit into one box. I don’t follow just one genre, one language, or one image because that’s what’s expected. I create what feels true to me, even if it challenges traditional ideas of how an artist should sound or look.
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Gabby B is currently touring across the States with concerts at Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges(April 30) in Roanoke, VA; James Madison University (May 1) in Harrisonburg, VA; Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (June 26) in Prior Lake, MN; Music on the Mountain (June 27) in Detroit Lakes, MN; KFC Yum! Center (July 18) in Louisville, KY; Wright State University Nutter Center (July 25) in Dayton, OH; Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (Aug. 6) in Bridgeport, CT; The Pavilion at Star Lake (Aug. 8) in Burgettstown, PA; and more. For a complete list, visit the Gabby B Website.