Top 10 Brazilian Singers: Icons & Rising Stars in Music

Brazilian music is setting new waves in the music industry, blending rich traditions with innovative sounds that captivate hearts across the globe. The country’s music scene is buzzing with new voices that respect the past while shaping the future. Whether they’re established legends or rising stars, these artists bring something special to the global stage.

This comprehensive highlights the top 10 Brazilian singers—both iconic and rising stars—whose artistry is shaping the future of music.

List of Best Brazilian Singers

1: Milton Nascimento

Date of Birth: October 26, 1942, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Nos bailes da vida
• Coração de estudante
• O Que Será (A Flor Da Terra)
• Travessia
• Canção do Sal

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards

Milton Nascimento is a famed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He began his musical journey at just 13 years old and started as a crooner in the Continental de Duilio Tiso Cougo group. In 1962, he recorded his first song, Barulho de Trem, and his career took off in 1966 with the release of his breakthrough track, Canção do Sal, which showcased his haunting and soulful voice.

Nascimento’s music is a rich tapestry of styles, blending Brazilian pop, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), samba, traditional Brazilian rhythms, contemporary pop rock, and Tropicália. His evocative Portuguese lyrics often delve into themes of love, spiritual connection, and the struggles of oppressed peoples in Latin America, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

With a career spanning decades, Nascimento has released 32 studio albums, cementing his legacy among the famous Brazilian singers.

2: João Bosco

Date of Birth: July 13, 1946, Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Incompatibilidade de Gênios
• Jade
• Bijuterias
• Papel Marche
• Memória da Pele

Accolades:

• Latin Grammy Awards

João Bosco emerged as one of the most influential singer-songwriters in Brazilian popular music during the 1970s. Raised in a musically rich environment, Bosco began his journey by mastering the guitar. His artistry drew deeply from bossa nova, samba, Latin jazz, Brazilian folk traditions, and Brazilian pop, shaping a unique and versatile sound.

Bosco solidified his place in the industry with his poetic lyrics and innovative guitar techniques, captivating audiences and carving out a distinct place in Brazil’s music scene. His collaborations, particularly with lyricist Aldir Blanc, produced timeless, iconic songs in Brazilian music history.

In the 21st century, Bosco’s enduring talent led him to tour internationally, performing in Japan, Europe, and Latin America, further solidifying his status as a global ambassador of Brazilian music.

3: Ney Matogrosso

Date of Birth: August 1, 1941, Bela Vista, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Primeiro De Abril
• Bambo de bambu
• Tango Pra Tereza
• Viajante
• Tanto Amar

Ney Matogrosso began his musical career singing in a vocal quartet and performing at college festivals across Brazil. His extraordinary countertenor voice and electrifying stage presence made him stand out amongst the top Brazilian singers.

In 1968, Matogrosso joined the iconic Brazilian rock band Secos e Molhados. During his time with the group, they released four highly influential albums before he departed in 1975 to launch a solo career.

His debut album, Água do Céu – Pássaro, also released in 1975, showcased his innovative fusion of traditional Brazilian music with elements of rock and jazz, creating a sound that is both distinctive and captivating. With a career spanning decades, Matogrosso continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.

4: Gilberto Gil

Date of Birth: June 26, 1942, Salvador, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Aquele Abraço
• Andar Com Fé
• Toda Menina Baiana
• Se Eu Quiser Falar Com Deus
• Toda Menina Baiana

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards

Gilberto Gil became well-known in Brazilian popular music and Tropicália in the 1960s. Known for his musical innovation and political activism, Gil served as Brazil’s Minister of Culture in the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He started his career as a bossa nova musician, and his lyrics range from philosophy to religion, folktales, and wordplay.

His musical style incorporates a wide range of genres, including mpb, tropicália, world, samba, forró, rock, and reggae music. In 1967, Gil released his debut album, Louvação, marking a successful journey for music. Over his six decades of career, Gil has made 65 records, making him one of the most famous Brazilian singers.

5: Marisa Monte

Date of Birth: July 1, 1967, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Depois
• Ainda bem
• Vilarejo
• Beija eu
• Pra Melhorar

Accolades:

• ACIE Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards

Marisa Monte, a celebrated singer, composer, and instrumentalist, began her musical journey at 14, studying opera alongside singing, piano, and drums. Her versatile repertoire spans traditional choro, samba, jazz, rock, reggae, funk, and Tropicália, captivating audiences worldwide with her eclectic sound and artistry.

In 1988, Monte signed with EMI and released her debut album, MM, in 1989. The album soared to number one on the Brasil Hot 100 Airplay, establishing her as a rising star in Brazilian music. Since then, she has sold over 10 million albums globally and continues to be a monumental figure in the industry.

In 2011, Rolling Stone Brasil ranked Monte the second greatest singer in Brazilian music history, a testament to her enduring influence and remarkable talent.

6: Caetano Veloso

Date of Birth: August 7, 1942, Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, Brazil

Best Songs:

• O Quereres
• Sozinho
• O Leãozinho
• Você é Linda
• Sampa

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards
• MTV Video Music Brasil
• Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro

Caetano Veloso, a renowned composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist, emerged as a prominent figure in Brazil’s Tropicália movement in the 1960s. His musical style is characterized by bossa nova, folk rock, and samba, and his poetic lyrics have been a significant force in Brazilian music.

Veloso began his career as interpreting bossa nova songs under the influence of João Gilberto. In 1968, Veloso made his self-titled solo debut album, widely regarded as a classic of his work. He has also participated in popular music festivals and composed movie soundtracks.

7: Roberto Carlos

Date of Birth: April 19, 1941, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Cama e mesa
• El Gato Que Está Triste y Azul
• Detalhes
• Amigo
• Amante a la antigua

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards
• Premios TVyNovelas

Roberto Carlos, also known as the “King of Latin Music,” played a pivotal role in Brazil’s 1960s rock-and-roll movement before becoming renowned for his romantic ballads and boleros. Launching his solo career as a bossa nova artist in 1959, he released his debut full-length album, Louco por Você, in 1961.

Carlos’s lyrics are known for their themes of joy, humor, and vibrant youth culture, often incorporating trendy slang that resonates with listeners. In 1965, he further cemented his influence by hosting the hit musical television show Jovem Guarda, which was instrumental in shaping Brazil’s contemporary music scene.

Over the decades, Roberto Carlos has released numerous albums worldwide, earning a reputation as one of the most enduring and influential Brazilian singers.

8: Chico Buarque

Date of Birth: June 19, 1944, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Meu caro amigo
• Vai Passar
• Cotidiano
• Bye, bye, Brasil
• Futuros Amantes

Accolades:

• São Paulo Association of Art Critics Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards

Chico Buarque, an acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, playwright, and poet, stands as a towering figure in Brazilian popular music. He began his career in the 1960s, performing as a singer and guitarist while also gaining recognition as a playwright.

Buarque made his public debut as a musician and composer in 1964, rising to prominence through music festivals and television appearances. His 1966 hit A Banda became a cultural phenomenon, even reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Renowned for his poetic and thought-provoking lyrics, Buarque often explores Brazil’s social, economic, and cultural landscapes. Through the use of irony, satire, metaphor, and ambiguity, his songs advocate for political reform, securing his place as one of Brazil’s most cherished and influential artists.

9: Ludmilla

Date of Birth: April 24, 1995, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Songs:

• Cheguei
• Invocada
• Din Din Din
• Bom
• Fala Mal de Mim

Accolades:

• Latin Grammy Awards
• MTV MIAW Awards Brazil

Ludmilla has become a standout name in the Brazilian music scene. She has showcased his versatility across genres such as Brazilian funk, samba, and pagode.

Ludmilla began her career as a rising star in funk carioca, quickly earning recognition for her dynamic talent. Her debut studio album, Hoje (2014), catapulted her to fame, fueled by the success of her breakout single, Fala Mal de Mim, which resonated with audiences worldwide. In 2020, Ludmilla made history as the first Afro-Latin American female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.

Over the years, Ludmilla has collaborated with numerous artists and expanded her sound to include global influences such as pop, R&B, reggaetón, and afrobeat, solidifying her place as an innovative force in contemporary music.

10: Pabllo Vittar

Date of Birth: November 1, 1993, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

Best Songs:

• São Amores
• Hoje A Noite
• K.O.
• Pede Pra Eu Ficar
• Ai Que Calor

Accolades:

• Melhores do Ano
• MTV Millennial Awards Brazil
• MTV Europe Music Awards

Pabllo Vittar is a trailblazing Brazilian singer known for his electrifying performances and unapologetic self-expression. Born Phabullo Rodrigues da Silva, he began showcasing his talent at 13, performing covers at family gatherings and school events before joining a Catholic church choir.

In 2014, Vittar made his first TV appearance on a Brazilian singing talent show and gained wider recognition in 2015. His music, which often celebrates themes of love, self-confidence, and joyous celebration, has resonated with a diverse audience. His debut studio album, Vai Passar Mal (2017), highlights his eclectic style, blending electronic music, techno brega, arrocha, funk carioca, and forró.

In 2022, Pabllo Vittar made history as the first drag queen to perform at the iconic Coachella music festival, cementing his status as one of the prominent Brazilian singers in the global music industry.