Antonio Cicero

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1970–2024

Genres

mpb, pop rock, poetry

Instruments

spoken word

Biography

Antonio Cicero was a prominent Brazilian poet, lyricist, philosopher, and literary critic who left an indelible mark on contemporary Brazilian literature and popular music. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he spent part of his youth in Washington, D.C., before pursuing philosophy degrees in Brazil and later at the University of London and Georgetown University. His deep engagement with philosophy and classical literature heavily informed both his academic writings and his celebrated lyrical output.

His career in music took off when his sister, singer and songwriter Marina Lima, began setting his poems to music. Together and with other collaborators, he penned numerous hits that defined the sound of Brazilian popular music in the 1980s and beyond, including memorable tracks for artists such as Lulu Santos, Adriana Calcanhotto, and João Bosco. Beyond his songwriting, he was a prolific essayist and poet, releasing acclaimed books such as Guardar and serving as a member of the prestigious Academia Brasileira de Letras.

In his later years, facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Cicero chose to undergo assisted dying in Switzerland, passing away in October 2024. His legacy endures through his profound contributions to Brazilian poetry, his philosophical essays, and the timeless songs he created alongside figures like Waly Salomão and other luminaries of the Brazilian cultural scene.