Zé Tapera e Chiquinho

José Teodoro de Sousa, known as Zé Tapera, was born in 1929 in the countryside of Ceará. He met guitarist Francisco Ribeiro, called Chiquinho, in 1952, and they began performing together as a duo. Their music drew from traditional Brazilian folk styles, with Tapera playing viola and both men singing.

In 1964, they released "A Viola e o Cantador," which became widely known. The song's lyrics spoke to the experiences of ordinary and marginalized people, and its sound, Tapera's viola melodies paired with Chiquinho's guitar work, connected with listeners across Brazil. This recording helped establish their presence in Brazilian folk music.

Their songs often carried social commentary, which sometimes drew criticism. They recorded several albums in the 1960s, including Viola de Comer and Viola do Povo. Among their other tracks are "Ela Voltará," "Dois Amigos," and "Pranto Amargo (O Meu Olho Chorou)."