[2026] Brazil’s National Music! A Collection of Iconic and Popular Samba Songs

Pra seu governoGilberto Milfont

Gilberto Milfont – PRA SEU GOVERNO – samba de Haroldo Lobo e Milton de Oliveira – gravação de 1950

This is Gilberto Milfont, a singer and samba composer who was active from the 1940s.

This song is also very famous for being performed by Beth Carvalho, but it is one of the quintessential standard numbers composed by Gilberto Milfont.

A Voz do MorroZe Keti

Ze Keti A voz do morro

Zé Keti, who was a member of the legendary roots samba group Conjunto A Voz do Morro formed in the 1960s.

Considered a leading figure of samba de morro, he sang about the realities of life in the hillsides and the cheerful spirit of the streets.

He was also an excellent composer: his song “Acender as Velas” became a hit when sung by renowned vocalists like Nara Leão and Elis Regina.

The song introduced here, “A Voz do Morro,” dates back to his days with that group.

From the very first line—boldly proclaiming “I am samba”—it captures the true essence of down-to-earth, neighborhood samba at its best.

It’s a classic that many artists have covered, so it’s fun to search around on YouTube and discover different versions.

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CarolinaSeu Jorge

Seu Jorge – Carolina

Seu Jorge is a singer who represents Brazil and also enjoys worldwide recognition as an actor.

From 1996, he thrived as the frontman of Farofa Carioca, a band that gained popularity with a sound that fused samba and funk, before leaving in 1999.

He made his solo debut in 2001, and thanks in part to his role in the acclaimed film City of God, he has since been recognized as an artist active on the global stage.

While rooted in samba, the traditional music of his homeland, Seu’s sophisticated musicality skillfully blends rock, funk, and reggae, showcasing the possibilities of samba and offering an accessible sound even for those who usually listen to rock or pop.

Start by listening to the title track that opens his aforementioned debut album, Carolina, and step into the world of Seu’s music!

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O orvalho vem caindoAracy de Almeida

O Orvalho vem Caindo – Aracy de Almeida

“O orvalho vem caindo” is a samba standard composed by Noel Rosa.

The singer performing it is Aracy de Almeida, a grand dame of samba.

She is famous as the singer who can interpret Noel Rosa’s songs better than anyone else.

Quando A Gira GirouZeca Pagodinho

Zeca Pagodinho – Quando A Gira Girou

This is Zeca Pagodinho, a star of the samba world who has been active since the 1980s.

His song “Quando A Gira Girou,” released in 2004, became a big hit.

He is a very important singer who helped elevate samba to the pop level.