Spotlight on Brazilian Music

Spotlight on Brazilian Music

in honour of João Gilberto

I declare this week Unofficial Brasilian Music Week


Hopefully you spent most of Monday listening to Gilberto’s music, and whilst the rest of the week could easily go on in the same way I’ve revisited some of my other favourite Brasilian music.

A Vida do Viajante – Luiz Gonzaga

This is a track that I’ve known as Minha Vida é andar por esse País, which roughly translates to my life is a walk through this country. The song does reflect elements of Brasil, and touches on the joys of one more season. Gonzaga is often credited for his influence in the formation of the baião genre, which in turn had an impact on the very popular forró genre.

Luiz Gonzaga: A Vida do Viajante 1974

Seville – Luiz Bonfá

This track by Bonfá might already sound familiar to some. Gotye used elements from it for his earworm with Kimbra. ‘Seville’ also holds a special place in my heart because it served as the soundtrack/theme to my PhD viva. Bonfá was a great Bossa Nova guitarist, and if we are remembering Gilberto, Bonfá is a crucial component.

Luiz Bonfá: Seville
Gotye: Somebody That I Used To Know

Ai Se Eu Te Pego – Michel Teló

Nossa! Again, a track that might sound familiar. It was a popular holiday track a few years ago, and Neymar borrowed some dance moves from the video for his goal celebrations. Teló is generally considered pop-country, which is a combination we’re getting more and more familiar with thanks to Taylor Swift. I think the accordian adds an interesting dynamic, and the track seems to ooze summer-ease.

Michel Teló: Ai Se Eu Te Pego
Anitta: Paradinha

Paradinha – Anitta

These days it’s difficult to talk about Brasilian music without mentioning Anitta. During my second trip to Brasil in 2017 I got asked about her constantly. Thankfully I did know about her, but I had no idea how popular she was in Brasil. Since then her popularity has grown, but ‘Paradinha’ will always remind of that summer.