Clecia Queiroz

Origin

Ilhéus, BA

Years active

1994

Genres

samba, samba de roda, mpb, ijexá, afro-brazilian music

Biography

Clecia Queiroz is a multifaceted Brazilian artist, recognized for her contributions as a singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and researcher of Afro-Brazilian culture. Born in Ilhéus, Bahia, she moved to Salvador at a young age, where her artistic career began to flourish. Queiroz's music is deeply rooted in authentic Bahian rhythms, drawing significant inspiration from Candomblé and local cultural traditions, while also maintaining a connection to contemporary sounds. Her performances are noted for their sophisticated energy and a voice described as soft and sweet.

Queiroz's professional journey includes a strong academic background, holding a Master's degree in Performance Art from Howard University in the USA. She has studied with renowned vocal coaches and theater directors both in Brazil and internationally. Her debut show, "Blue Moon," in 1994, garnered four nominations for the Troféu Caymmi, marking the beginning of a promising trajectory. Her first album, "Chegar à Bahia," was released in 1997, followed by "Samba de Roque" (2011), which features the work of composer Roque Ferreira, whom she considers a modern-day Caymmi. Her third album, "Quintais" (2016), further explores the samba de roda of the Recôncavo Baiano, blending various styles of samba and other Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Clecia Queiroz has achieved recognition as an actress, winning prestigious theater awards in Bahia. Her academic work includes a doctorate in Knowledge Diffusion from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), with a thesis focusing on the role of women in Samba de Roda. She has also developed projects such as "Casas do Samba" and has performed and conducted research internationally, including in Spain and the United States. Queiroz's work consistently bridges tradition and modernity, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bahia while engaging with global artistic trends.