Vanessa Tsunematsu

Vanessa Tsunematsu grew up in São Paulo with a Japanese father and Brazilian mother, and started studying classical piano at three. Her self-titled debut came out in 1996, followed by the 2001 album 'Amarelinha' that included the title track and songs like 'Convicção' and 'Merecer.'

That album found an audience with its mix of Brazilian rhythms and her piano background. She kept recording through the 2000s, putting out tracks such as 'Metade' and 'Pena Que Acabou.'

Her music sometimes touched on social themes, which drew occasional criticism in Brazil's charged climate. She kept working across different styles without settling into one predictable sound.