Kátia Di Tróia

Kátia Di Tróia formed her band in 1981 with bassist Cláudio Cruz and drummer Luiz Fernando Lemos. Their self-titled debut came out in 1985, but it was the 1987 album 'Tempo Para Tudo' that really connected with listeners. The title track from that record became something of an anthem, and you can still find it on streaming services today alongside songs like 'Abra O Meu Coração!' and 'Vou Embora Pro Nordeste'.

She was born Kátia Regina Pereira Tróia in Rio de Janeiro in 1963. Her music drew from samba and bossa nova, but there was a rock edge to it too, and her vocal delivery had a raw, improvisational quality that set her apart. She wasn't shy about addressing social issues in her lyrics, which sometimes put her at odds with critics, particularly in the 1990s when she voiced support for the homeless movement and discussions around drug policy.

The band's lineup changed over time, with Kátia as the consistent presence. Later members included bassist Marcelo Abreu and drummer Beto Zan. She kept recording through the decades, putting out albums like 'Só Quem Sabe Sente' in 1990, 'Vida e Obra' in 1993, and a live record in 1995. A compilation called '30 Anos de Carreira' arrived in 2015, rounding up material from a long stretch of work.