Carlos Nilson Batista Chaves

Origin

Belém, PA

Also known as

Nilson Chaves

Years Active

1970

Genres

MPB, regional music

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Carlos Nilson Batista Chaves is a renowned Brazilian instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter born in Belém, Pará. Growing up, his early musical exposure was shaped by his father's sound system business, which introduced him to foundational Brazilian icons such as João Gilberto, Nara Leão, Maysa, and Dolores Duran. By the age of twelve, he had already begun playing the guitar and writing his own compositions, setting the stage for a rich career rooted in Amazonian culture.

In 1970, Chaves relocated to Rio de Janeiro, where he honed his musical technique alongside fellow guitarist Sebastião Tapajós and maestro Guerra-Peixe, while also composing for local theater and dance groups. Throughout the 1980s, he established a prominent collaborative footprint, working alongside artists like Vital Lima, Antônio Adolfo, Sidinho Moreira, Helvius Vilela, Mauro Senise, and Leila Pinheiro. His partnership with Vital Lima yielded celebrated releases such as the album "Interior" and the critically acclaimed LP "Waldemar".

Chaves achieved a monumental cultural milestone in 1989 when he partnered with poet Joãozinho Gomes to compose "Sabor Açaí", a track featured on his album "Sabor" that became an enduring anthem of Amazonian identity and was later recognized among the greatest Brazilian songs of all time. Expanding his reach internationally, he has released albums in Europe and performed extensively in countries like Germany and France, eventually earning a Latin Grammy nomination in 2000 for his live album "Tempo Destino: 25 Anos Ao Vivo".

Discography

• Dança de Tudo (1981)
• Nilson Chaves & Vital Lima – Interior (1986)
• Sabor (1989)
• Amazônia (1990)
• Nilson Chaves e Vital Lima – Waldemar (1992)
• Não Peguei o Ita (1993)
• Tudo Indio (1995)
• Sebastião Tapajós, Nilson Chaves – Amazônia Brasileira (The Brazilian Amazonia) (1997)
• Sebastião Tapajós, Nilson Chaves – Iguaçu Meu Lado de Cá (1997)
• Tempo Destino (25 Anos Ao Vivo) (1999)
• Gaia (2000)
• Lucinnha Bastos, Mahrco Monteiro, Nilson Chaves – A Força que Vem das Ruas (2004)
• Maniva (2006)
• Amores (2012)
• Avenida Musical Norte-Sul (2017)