Gabriel Gomes

Gabriel Gomes came up in Salvador, Bahia, where his father was a Capoeira master. That background in traditional Brazilian rhythms shows up in his music, which started getting attention with his 2014 debut album "O Canto do Louco." The songs on that record mixed samba and bossa nova touches with more contemporary pop sounds.

His 2018 album "Popeye" is what really connected with people. The title track became something of an anthem, with its memorable melody and lyrics that seemed to speak to a certain defiance. Other songs from that period like "Nessa Linda Canção" and "Noite Estrelada" have a similar quality, melodic but with an edge to them.

Gomes has been known for lyrics that don't shy away from difficult subjects, and his stage presence has sometimes drawn criticism along with praise. He's kept making music on his own terms, with songs like "Caso Incerto" and "De Braços Abertos" continuing in that vein of blending Brazilian musical traditions with personal, sometimes challenging storytelling.