A key figure in Brazilian samba, his songs about everyday life and social issues became staples.
For a quick sense of his style, try 'Vou Festejar' or 'Minha Gratidão'. They frame his knack for writing samba that feels lived-in.
His songwriting gave Brazilian samba a voice for the streets, not just the stage. Songs like 'Vou Festejar' and 'Coisa de Pele' are still covered and heard in the work of younger musicians. He wrote plainly about poverty and social issues, which sometimes drew criticism but built a loyal following.
He grew up in a Rio favela absorbing samba and bossa nova, then joined the group Fundo de Quintal in the late 1970s. His solo debut 'O Samba Que Eu Canto' came out in 1981, and he went on to release more than thirty albums, working with musicians like Sombrinha and Almir Guineto.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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