Iza
- Origin
- Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Years active
- 2015
- Genres
- pop, r&b, soul, reggae fusion
- Instruments
- vocals
Biography
Born Isabela Cristina Correia de Lima Lima in Rio de Janeiro, Iza emerged as a powerhouse in the Brazilian pop and R&B scene during the late 2010s. Originally from the Olaria neighborhood, she moved to Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, as a child before returning to her hometown to pursue her education and career. After gaining traction through her YouTube channel where she performed various covers, she was discovered and signed by Warner Music in 2016. Her debut studio album, 'Dona de Mim' (2018), solidified her status as a major artist, earning a Latin Grammy nomination and featuring successful collaborations with figures such as Marcelo Falcão and Ivete Sangalo.\n\nIza is widely recognized for her vocal versatility and artistic credibility, blending R&B, soul, and reggae fusion with elements of Afro-Brazilian culture. Beyond her recording career, she has been a prominent figure in Brazilian media, serving as a coach on the reality competition 'The Voice Brasil' and providing the voice for Nala in the Brazilian dub of Disney's 'The Lion King'. Her cultural impact and social advocacy for racial representation led to her being named one of the 'Next Generation Leaders' by Time magazine in 2021.\n\nIn 2023, she released her second studio album, 'Afrodhit', which showcased a more mature and personal sound following a significant period of artistic transition. This project included the hit single 'Fé nas Maluca' featuring MC Carol and earned further recognition at the Latin Grammys. Iza continues to expand her influence through acting roles and headline performances at major festivals like Rock in Rio, where she has made history as the first Black Brazilian woman to perform on the main stage.