The sensual rhythm has left the suburbs to occupy the largest popular party in Pernambuco, of which Michelle Melo is a legitimate representative
Michael Melo she is one of the first women to succeed singing the real Pernambuco brega, characterized by its sensual rhythm, to be danced close. Rich in nuances, the rhythm has a strong popular appeal, especially in the suburbs of Recife and in the metropolitan region.
This pioneering spirit made Michelle known as the “Madonna of Pernambuco”, and brought about the honorable title of “Queen of Brega”, given by none other than King Reginaldo Rossi, an icon of Pernambuco culture. To do justice to her importance to the local culture, Michelle Melo performs at Galo da Madrugada, this Saturday 18.
“It will be trio number 13, the one from Rainha do Brega, where I only receive guests from the brega scene, who will make this mixture: to show that we are bregueiro, but also from Pernambuco, and every Pernambuco has frevo in their feet and in their hearts”, guarantees, in an interview with Earth.
On the same day, Michelle Melo will perform at Marco Zero, the main center of the city’s carnival, with the show ‘Recife: capital of brega’.
Brega goes beyond the capital
But anyone who thinks that musical style is restricted to the capital of Pernambuco is mistaken. As well as appearing on national television, alongside names like Regina Casé and Xuxa, Michelle Melo says she has already performed on tour in Europe.
“Brega has assumed a much greater proportion than, perhaps, we have dreamed or aspired. And this is very good, because brega shows the strength of the people of Pernambuco, that when we want something, we get it,” he underlines.
That determination has driven Michelle’s 20-year career, and she admits she created a persona to address the sensuality her career choice requires.
“Anyone who knows me knows that in everyday life I have nothing sensual: I’m crazy, bad, stupid, feminine, you know?”, she reveals.
When she burst onto the local scene, as lead singer of Banda Metade, with the song ‘Lua de Mel’, Michelle was a 21-year-old girl who had only ventured into music for the money. Soon after, her big break came with the song she is known for today: ‘Babydoll’.
The song was written overnight by composer and music producer Louro Santos, when the band was recording their second CD. According to Michelle, a song with the face of the “fatal woman” that she had assumed for the stage was missing from the repertoire.
“When he introduced the song, I freaked out and said: damn!” he recalls. “Within a week, this song was all over the radio. In every community I walked in, it was me complaining. I couldn’t stand hearing myself moan anymore,” she jokes.
‘Broadway’ of Pernambuco
Performing on stage, Michelle Melo strives to make her concerts a stand-alone sight in the Pernambuco music scene. Costumes, lighting, sets and choreography are meticulously thought out to reinforce the characteristics of the character she has created: the confident woman, who knows who she is, what she wants and how to get it.
Inspiration explains the quality of what you do. Michelle says she was inspired by Broadway musicals, like Moulin Rouge and Cabaret, to think up her own shows.
And behind this Michelle, the character, there is another Michelle: playful and hardworking, mother and wife, who is afraid of heights, but has reached the pinnacle of one of the most important musical movements of the periphery of the Pernambuco cultural scene . No wonder, brega music is cultural heritage of the state. And, without a doubt, Queen Michelle Melo is its legitimate representative.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
