Helvius Vilela

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Also known as

Helvius Vilela Borges

Years active

1965–1980s

Genres

MPB

Instruments

piano, keyboard

Biography

Helvius Vilela Borges (1941-2010) was a Brazilian composer and pianist, born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. He began his musical journey at a young age, learning piano from his mother before he could even read. By his teenage years, Vilela was already performing in dance halls and nightclubs in his hometown. He was a familiar figure in Belo Horizonte's music scene, frequenting places like the "Ponto dos Músicos."

Vilela's career saw him collaborate with numerous prominent Brazilian artists. He was part of the group Célio Balona and the Tempo Trio, and also performed with a band where Milton Nascimento served as the crooner. Vilela was instrumental in the early days of the Clube da Esquina movement, having met Marilton Borges and being responsible for the first recording of the song "E a gente sonhando," a collaboration between Milton Nascimento and Márcio Borges. He also co-owned the nightclub Berimbau, a venue where Milton Nascimento, Wagner Tiso, and Marilton Borges had some of their initial performances.

After a period in Mexico with the group Vox Populi from 1969 to 1972, Vilela returned to Brazil and continued his work as an instrumentalist and arranger. His collaborations extended to artists such as Elizeth Cardoso, Alceu Valença, Nana Caymmi, Paulinho da Viola, and the Família Caymmi. In the 1980s, he performed alongside Nivaldo Ornelas and Edu Lobo at festivals like the Free Jazz Festival, and with Wagner Tiso at the Mar del Plata Jazz Festival, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and respected musician in the Brazilian music landscape.