The samba icon reflects on family, legacy and prepares new commemorative shows
Zeca Pagodinho, one of the biggest names in Brazilian samba, has a lot to celebrate in 2024. At 65, the samba singer is celebrating four decades of a career full of successes and awards, but what matters most to him right now is the arrival of his seventh grandchild. “What I want most is to put a mat in the room and be among them all.”reveals the singer, who intends to slow down his routine to enjoy more time with his family.
One of the biggest names in the history of samba celebrates, in 2024, 40 years of career in a special tour that was a real success, always sold out.
The Zeca Pagodinho 40 Anos tour takes the audience on a musical journey full of era-defining hits, as well as great classics from his repertoire, which constitute the richness of samba. This special tour is a testament to Zeca Pagodinho’s lasting legacy in Brazilian music. His contribution to samba transcends generations and this celebration promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the history of Brazilian music…
Zeca Pagodinho: from Cacique de Ramos to celebrity
Born in Xerém, in the north of Rio de Janeiro, Zeca Pagodinho’s musical origins were marked by the Cacique de Ramos pagoda, a traditional samba hangout. There, in the 1980s, he was discovered by his godmother Beth Carvalho, who brought him success by recording his composition Sleeping shrimp, the wave takes him. The song marked Zeca’s debut as the album’s composer Sweat on the face (1983).
Although he only dreamed of being a composer, Zeca was surprised by Beth, who brought him on stage during one of her shows. “He threw me on stage,” he recalls with good humor. The episode paved the way for his participation in the program Fantasticwhere he sang alongside Beth, becoming a recognized figure in the music scene. Since then, Jessé Gomes da Silva Filho, Zeca’s name, has become synonymous with samba and authenticity.
In addition to his success on stage, Zeca has a deep social commitment. Through the Zeca Pagodinho Institute, the singer provides opportunities for more than 350 children, who learn music, crafts, computers and other skills.
“If everyone who could did a little, it would make a big difference,” says the samba singer, who never forgets his roots and family values passed down during childhood.
Zeca’s discography includes classics such as Let life take me, REAL, Go to loaf AND Jew of Methat span generations. For him the secret to success is simple: “It has to be good music.” While he recognizes the changes in the music industry and the power of algorithms, he relies on his intuition to create.
“I don’t understand it, I have a team that deals with this area”, confesses the artist who prefers enjoying moments with his grandchildren rather than navigating the digital world.
Celebrating his endurance, Zeca compares his trajectory to samba itself, which, as Nelson Sargento said, “agonizes, but does not die.” He reflects on the genre’s impact on Brazilian culture and is proud to be one of those responsible for keeping it alive.
“Samba is always there, right?”, he summarizes, with the serenity of someone who trusts in the strength of his art.
Djenifer Henz – Supervised by Marcelo de Assis
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.
