Duo Ciriema

Origin

Franca, SP

Years Active

1959–1979

Genres

sertaneja, caipira

Biography

Duo Ciriema was a renowned Brazilian sertaneja music duo formed in 1959 by Aparecida Martins Batista, known as Cida, and originally featuring Irene Campos Mendonça, who was soon succeeded by Irene Lopes. Hailing from Franca, São Paulo, the group quickly rose to prominence by performing on major radio stations such as Rádio Nacional and recording successful tracks like their debut "Não beba mais não" and the iconic guarânia "Colcha de retalhos". Their distinct vocal harmony and traditional repertoire captured the hearts of audiences across Brazil, eventually leading them on historic tours to the Northeast and even international performances in Paraguay.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the duo maintained a prolific recording schedule, releasing numerous records with labels like RCA Victor and Copacabana, and scoring major hits with rasqueados and boleros such as "Oh! Ciriema" and "Bebida não mata saudades". After a temporary hiatus in the late 1960s, they triumphantly returned to the artistic scene in the 1972, continuing to record works by prominent composers such as Raul Torres and João Pacífico. Their significant contributions to the genre were later celebrated through commemorative releases and television tributes, cementing their legacy alongside contemporaries like Inezita Barroso.

Although the duo stepped away from active touring by the late 1970s, their pioneering recorded legacy has been preserved through various retrospective CD reissues. Cida passed away in 2011, prompting heartfelt tributes from the traditional music community, including a special broadcast by Inezita Barroso on the program Viola, Minha Viola. Today, Duo Ciriema remains a cherished cornerstone of classic Brazilian roots music, celebrated for introducing traditional sertaneja sounds to broader regional audiences.