Cezar Mendes

Origin

Santo Amaro da Purificação, BA

Also known as

Cezinha

Years Active

1998–2026

Genres

MPB, samba-canção, bossa nova

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Cezar Mendes, affectionately known as Cezinha, is a highly respected Brazilian composer, guitarist, and vocalist, born on March 29, 1951, in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia. His musical journey began in childhood, inspired by the guitar. He developed an intuitive understanding of harmony and composition, which would later lead him to collaborate with some of Brazil's most iconic artists.

Mendes gained prominence as a composer with his first song, "Aquele Frevo Axé," in 1997, a melody co-written with Caetano Veloso, which was famously recorded by Gal Costa in 1998. This marked the beginning of a prolific career, with his compositions being sought after by a diverse range of artists, including Marisa Monte, Djavan, Seu Jorge, Roberta Sá, Maria Bethânia, and Chico Buarque. He also participated in the recording and European tour of the acclaimed album "Os Tribalistas" in 2002, contributing compositions like "Carnalismo" and "Pecado é lhe deixar de molho."

Beyond his work as a composer and performer, Cezar Mendes is also a dedicated guitar teacher, with a notable list of students including children of prominent musicians like Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Marisa Monte, Arnaldo Antunes, and Carlinhos Brown. His debut solo album, "Depois Enfim," was released in 2018, followed by "Itapuano" in 2026, both featuring collaborations with a stellar cast of Brazilian musicians, solidifying his status as a significant and influential figure in Brazilian popular music.