Ivanildo Vila Nova

Origin

Caruaru, PE

Also known as

Ivanildo Vilanova

Years active

1963–2025

Genres

repente, cantoria de viola, música popular brasileira, forró

Instruments

viola

Biography

Ivanildo Vila Nova is a highly respected Brazilian repentista (improvised verse singer), violeiro (viola player), and composer, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the tradition of Northeastern Brazilian folk music.

Born in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Vila Nova inherited his passion for repentismo from his father, also a known cantador. He began his career in 1963 and quickly distinguished himself through the subtlety of his verses, the conciseness of his improvisations, and the thematic variety of his work. He has participated in over 500 congresses, festivals, and singing competitions, earning him the title of "Cantador do Século XX" (Singer of the 20th Century).

Vila Nova's influence extends beyond his performances. He has been instrumental in the professionalization and valorization of the repentista art form, elevating the status of cantadores across Brazil. His activism and organizational efforts helped create better event structures, financial recognition for artists, and national appreciation for cantoria de viola, solidifying it as a vital cultural heritage of the Northeast and Brazil. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Severino Feitosa, Sebastião Dias, Xangai, and Elba Ramalho, further disseminating his art.