Cylene

Origin

Ibirataia, BA

Also known as

Cilene Ribeiro de Sá Leite Chakur

Years active

1959–1966

Genres

bossa nova, mpb, tropicalia, pop

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Cylene Ribeiro de Sá Leite Chakur, known artistically as Cylene, was born on November 8, 1945, in Ibirataia, Bahia. She is a Brazilian singer who gained prominence as a founding member of the all-female vocal group Quarteto em Cy. Alongside her sisters Cyva, Cynara, and Cybele, Cylene formed the original lineup of the quartet, which was established in 1964. The group's name itself is a playful nod to the fact that all four sisters' first names begin with "Cy."

Cylene's involvement with Quarteto em Cy began in their early years as "As Baianinhas," performing on local television in Bahia. In 1962, she moved with her sisters to Rio de Janeiro, where they were discovered by renowned figures like Vinicius de Moraes and Carlos Lyra, who were instrumental in shaping the group's identity and sound. The quartet quickly became a significant force in the Brazilian music scene, known for their precise vocal harmonies and interpretations of bossa nova and MPB classics.

Cylene's tenure with Quarteto em Cy lasted until 1966, when she left the group to marry and start a family. She was replaced by Regina Werneck. Although she departed from the group's active performing career, Cylene later pursued a career in education, earning degrees in Pedagogy and Psychology and becoming a university professor and writer. Her sisters continued with Quarteto em Cy, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian music.