Mara Ribeiro

Mara Ribeiro grew up in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus neighborhood, where she first sang in a local church choir. In 2004, she formed a band that would carry her name, and five years later they released their debut album 'Basta.' The title track became known as an anthem against domestic violence, and other songs like 'Parte Pra Outra' and 'Amor Bandido' followed on later albums.

Her music draws from samba, bossa nova, and Brazilian pop, with a band that includes Thiago Horta on guitar, Antônio Porto on bass, and Eduardo Santana on drums. She has released four studio albums, including 'Tempo de Luta' in 2012 and 'O Canto da Mariá' in 2016.

Ribeiro has been involved with organizations like the United Nations Development Program, focusing on women's empowerment. Her songs often address social issues, but she works within a straightforward pop framework that keeps the music accessible even when the subject matter is heavy.