Row over Brazilian Slap Dance

As celebrations get underway in Brazil for their annual Carnival, a popular song from this year's festivities is causing something of a controversy.

The song, Tap a na cara -- or a slap on the cheek -- has drawn accusations of sexism and bands in some areas have been asked not to perform it.

The tune is about a woman who asks her boyfriend to slap her while they're making love.

It's accompanied by a dance in which men pretend to hit their partners.

But the song's author Alex Zela has rejected claims that the song incites violence.

And one of Brazil's top performers -- Carlinios Brown -- has vowed to sing the song live during Carnival.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service