Marcelo Castelo Branco de Melo

Marcelo Castelo Branco de Melo is a Brazilian singer and songwriter from Rio de Janeiro. He first gained attention in the 1990s as part of the band Cidadão Quem, where he worked on albums like Aos Vivos. In 2003, he released his solo debut Chorando Calado, which included the song Órfão de Mãe.

That track became something of a national touchstone in Brazil, a simple, direct ballad about maternal loss that connected with many listeners. Other songs like Estrela D'alva and As Rosas Falam show his tendency toward emotional, sometimes plainspoken writing.

His career has included some public difficulties, including a 2005 arrest for drug possession. He has also drawn criticism at times for lyrics that address poverty and inequality directly, which some have found too blunt or sensational. He continues to write and perform.