Genival Santos

Origin

Campina Grande, PB

Years Active

1970–2014

Genres

brega, romantic music

Biography

Genival Joaquim dos Santos was born in Campina Grande, on April 10, 1943. Before achieving success in romantic and brega music, he worked in humble professions such as a construction laborer and a shoemaker. At the beginning of his artistic career, he was part of musical compilations alongside names like Trio Nordestino and Genival Lacerda, in addition to having compositions signed by important authors from the northeastern and national scene.

The great milestone of his career occurred when he performed on Flávio Cavalcanti's television show. Despite the initial resistance of some judges, massive public support through letters guaranteed his return to the show, where he performed compositions by Oseas Lopes and definitively won over viewers. His debut album, released in 1972, achieved impressive sales and paved the way for remarkable hits in the 1970s, such as the classic "Eu Te Peguei no Flagra", released in 1977.

Throughout his career, the singer released 28 albums and sold millions of copies, consolidating himself as one of the great exponents of the romantic genre in the country. Genival Santos passed away in Fortaleza, at the age of 71, as a victim of complications from lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy in brazilian popular music alongside artists like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.

Discography

• Bastinho Calixto e Genival Santos – Eu Canto e Você Toca (1972)
• Morrendo de Amor (1973)
• Meu Coração Pede Paz (1973)
• Eu Não Sou Brinquedo (1975)
• Vem Morar Comigo (1976)
• Genival Santos (1977)
• Meu Coração Está em Greve (1979)
• Cada Coração Sabe o que Quer (1985)
• Surpresa (1986)
• Você Me Mata de Amor (1988)
• Supresa (2021)
• Porque Será (2021)
• GENIVAL SANTOS AO VIVO em CASCAVEL - CE (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• REGISTRO ESPECIAL AO VIVO (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• Ao Vivo no 3° Fest Brega em Caicó - RN (2022)
• Genival Santos / As 20+ (2025)
• Brega Duetos (Vol. 3) (2025)