Gilmelândia

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years Active

1990

Genres

axé, MPB, pop

Instruments

voice

Biography

Gilmelândia Palmeira dos Santos, better known simply as Gilmelândia or Gil, was born in Salvador, Bahia, and cemented her name as one of the great interpreters of axé music and Brazilian popular music. Her artistic journey began in the 1990s, when she sang covertly in Bahian bars and festivals alongside musical partners, facing family resistance before achieving national recognition.

The major leap in her career occurred in 1998, when she took over as the lead vocalist of Banda Beijo, a group previously fronted by artists such as Netinho. With an innovative visual aesthetic and striking live performances, she led resounding hits like "Peraê", "Arrastão", and "Bate Lata", in addition to popularizing the motto "Não é Banda Beijo? Então tem que ter beijo" ("Isn't it Banda Beijo? Then there has to be a kiss").

After solidifying her popularity at the helm of the band, Gilmelândia pursued a solo career starting in 2001, releasing standout albums such as Me Beija, Movimento, and O Canto da Sereia — the latter nominated for a Latin Grammy. Throughout her career, she also expanded her work into television as a presenter and actress, remaining active on stages and refreshing her repertoire with influences from rhythms such as forró.

Discography

• Me Beija (2001)
• Ao Vivo (2003)
• Gil Melândia Ao Vivo (2003)