Dora Morelenbaum

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

2010

Genres

mpb, samba-jazz, contemporary pop

Instruments

vocals, cello

Biography

Dora Morelenbaum is a contemporary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has emerged as a prominent voice in the modern Brazilian music scene. Born into a deeply musical family as the daughter of renowned musicians Jaques Morelenbaum and Paula Morelenbaum, she grew up immersed in music and began her professional career in the 2010s. Her distinct artistic identity seamlessly blends traditional MPB with elements of samba-jazz, electronic music, and experimental sounds, drawing upon her classical training and background with the cello to bridge popular and erudite styles.

In 2022, she gained widespread recognition as a member of the Rio de Janeiro-based musical group Bala Desejo, alongside Julia Mestre, Lucas Nunes, and Zé Ibarra. The quartet released their acclaimed debut album Sim Sim Sim, which earned the Latin Grammy Award for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album in 2022. During the same period, Dora also performed at the CoMA Festival, further solidifying her presence within independent Brazilian music.

Alongside her work with Bala Desejo, she has cultivated a thriving solo career that began with the 2021 release of her debut EP, Vento de Beirada. Her solo trajectory expanded significantly with collaborations alongside contemporary icons like Kiko Dinucci and Juçara Marçal, as well as the release of her first full-length solo album, Pique, in 2024. Her work continues to receive critical acclaim both domestically and internationally, positioning her as a vital figure in the ongoing renewal of MPB alongside contemporaries like Julia Mestre.