A roundup of great masterpieces and popular songs of Brazilian music

OceanoDjavan

Djavan – Oceano (Ao Vivo)

Composed by Djavan, this very beautiful and moving piece blends traditional Brazilian rhythms with songs popular in America, Europe, and Africa.

As a result, you can feel a variety of elements, including a pop sensibility, a samba flavor, and Latin influences.

ShimbalaiêMaria Gadú

Maria Gadú – “Shimbalaiê” – [clipe oficial]

Maria Gadú is a talent who continually refreshes the scene with a rich range of musical styles rooted in MPB.

She can be considered a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian music, impressing even masters like Caetano Veloso.

The piece featured here is the song that marks the origin of her career, which she is said to have composed at the age of ten.

The words riding on a melody that came to her by the seaside at dusk are invented, without semantic meaning.

Like a magical incantation that only a child could hum, it gently loosens the listener’s heart.

Her deep, resonant voice and the acoustic textures that trace a maracatu rhythm are irresistibly soothing.

Released as a single from her debut album “Maria Gadú,” it was featured in the TV drama “Viver a Vida” and even reached number one on the charts in Italy in the summer of 2011.

It’s a classic that perfectly suits those moments when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood.

E O AmorZezé Di Camargo & Luciano

É O Amor-Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano

A brother duo of singers.

They perform in the sertaneja/country genre, and this song—from their debut album released in 1991—was the most popular track of that year.

It became emblematic of the Brazilian music genre known as sertanejo.

Baby95Liniker

Liniker – Baby95

While carrying on the tradition of MPB, Linn da Quebrada from São Paulo state embodies the brilliance of contemporary Brazilian music as it intersects with soul and R&B.

Singing of love and dignity from the perspective of a Black transgender woman, her expression captures listeners’ hearts and doesn’t let go.

The work introduced here is a track released in June 2021 ahead of the album Indigo Borboleta Anil, which marked the full-fledged start of her solo career; it went on to achieve the remarkable feat of winning Best Portuguese-Language Song at the 2022 Latin Grammy Awards.

Evoking the warmth of intimate love and self-acceptance through images of nature—shimmering sun and sea—the piece is truly a masterpiece where the lyricism of MPB meets contemporary grooves.

Its refined yet somehow nostalgic sound is perfect for a leisurely listen on a holiday afternoon.

Oba, lá vem elaJorge Ben Jor

Jorge Ben Jor – Obá, la vem ela (Áudio Oficial)

Jorge Ben Jor is one of the innovators who left his mark on the history of Brazilian music.

Known for his distinctive style that fuses samba with funk and rock, he was ranked fifth in Rolling Stone Brasil’s 2008 list of the greatest artists in Brazilian music history.

This track, included on his classic album Força Bruta, is a romantic piece suffused with the feel of the night.

The song conveys a pure longing: a heart fulfilled simply by gazing at a woman passing by.

The easy, improvised groove born from sessions with Trio Mocotó gently wraps around those delicate emotions.

Released in September 1970, the song later gained attention when a cover version was used in the television drama Vitória.

It’s a timeless tune that feels like a quiet companion to a peaceful night.

Beija FlorTimbalada

Timbalada – Beija Flor

Beating drums and percussion of various sizes, they perform against the backdrop of Salvador’s city streets and the sea.

Their distinctive body painting.

With its light, buoyant rhythms that make you want to start dancing, Timbalada’s music seems sure to lift the cheerful mood of a midsummer day drenched in sunshine even higher.

Várias QueixasGilsons

Gilsons – Várias Queixas (Clipe Oficial)

Gilsons is a new-generation trio composed of the son and grandsons of Gilberto Gil, a treasure of the Brazilian music scene.

Highly recommended as an introduction to MPB, their anthemic track released in 2019 as the title song of their debut EP fits the bill perfectly.

Originally a cover of a classic by Bahia legends Olodum, the song pairs a sense of helpless frustration toward a lover with the festive rhythms of samba-reggae—a striking contrast.

Riding the attention sparked by this track, they went on to achieve international success, including a Latin Grammy nomination in 2022 for their album Pra Gente Acordar.

Their breezy groove, blending tradition and modernity, makes it the perfect song to lift your spirits.