A roundup of iconic bossa nova artists and singers

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Bossa nova, one of the quintessential genres of Brazilian music, enjoys enduring popularity not only in its home country but also in the United States, across Europe, and here in Japan.

Even if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about music, you might be able to picture it as the stylish sound you hear playing in cafés.

That said, bossa nova isn’t merely café music—its profound allure was forged by great artists and singers.

For those interested in bossa nova, we’ll introduce a selection of its most representative artists and vocalists all at once.

Be sure to check them out!

Summary of representative bossa nova artists and singers (11–20)

O BarquinhoMaysa

O Barquinho

O BarquinhoMaysa

Maysa is a jazz and R&B singer, composer, and producer from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.

She joined the London band Incognito in the early 1990s and made her solo debut in 1995.

As a solo artist, she has built a dazzling career, with songs like “A Woman in Love” and “Metamorphosis” staying high on the Billboard charts for extended periods.

Maysa has also collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Gerald Veasley and Rick Braun.

She continues to captivate many fans with her broad musical range, not just smooth jazz.

She’s definitely an artist that fans of Brazilian music should check out!

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, even if you’ve thought of bossa nova as stylish music you hear in cafés, checking out the artists we introduced this time should make it clear that it’s not just that. There are many artists in other genres who’ve been influenced by bossa nova as well, so if you’re interested, be sure to dig deeper!