Roberto Xuxu

Roberto Xuxu, born Roberto Carlos de Andrade, came up playing guitar and singing in local bands around Salvador, Bahia. He formed the group Roberto Xuxu in the late 1990s, taking the name from a childhood nickname. Their song 'Amor Da Minha Vida' broke through nationally, its melody and direct lyrics connecting with listeners.

His music draws from samba, pop, rock, and reggae, built around his vocals and songs that often touch on love and loss. The band has included musicians like guitarist Dinho, bassist Paulinho, and drummer Beto, and they've worked with artists such as Carlinhos Brown and Ivete Sangalo.

Personal struggles with addiction and legal issues, including a 2004 arrest for cocaine possession, have run alongside his career. While this has drawn criticism, a core audience has stayed with him, responding to the raw quality in his singing and writing.