Gabrielzinho do Irajá

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

2005

Genres

samba, partido alto, samba de raiz

Instruments

cavaquinho, voz

Biography

Gabriel Gitahy da Cunha, better known as Gabrielzinho do Irajá, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, actor, and versador, born in 1997 in the neighborhood of Irajá, Rio de Janeiro. His passion for music started early, at the age of two, when he became enchanted by Nana Caymmi's voice. At five, he received a CD from the singer Dorina, which introduced him to the universe of samba. Gabrielzinho soon became a regular attendee at Rio de Janeiro's samba circles, where he met and was welcomed by major names of the genre, such as Arlindo Cruz, Luiz Carlos da Vila, Beth Carvalho, and Zeca Pagodinho.

His career gained national prominence in 2005 when he participated in Rede Globo's telenovela "América", playing a young musician. The acting opened doors for his musical career, culminating in the release of his first album, "Ninar Meu Samba", in 2007, featuring participations by renowned artists like Zeca Pagodinho, Dudu Nobre, and Nana Caymmi. Gabrielzinho also stood out as a samba-enredo singer for the children's samba school "Filhos da Águia", from Portela, and as the champion of the 1st Partido Alto Festival at the Cartola Cultural Center.

Recognized for his skill as a versador and for his dedication to traditional samba, Gabrielzinho do Irajá has taken his music and his message of inclusion throughout Brazil. He is the author of compositions recorded by Zeca Pagodinho and Diogo Nogueira, and continues to be an important voice in the new generation of samba, celebrating popular culture and diversity.