Jeza da Pedra

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

2017

Genres

rap, funk, afrobeat, soul, r&b, indie pop, anarcofunk, emo trap

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Jonatas Rodrigues, known artistically as Jeza da Pedra, is a Brazilian rapper, singer, and songwriter who emerged from the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, specifically from the Complexo da Pedreira in Costa Barros. His work is marked by the fusion of elements of rap, funk, afrobeat, soul, R&B, and indie pop, with strong influences of afrofuturism and gender issues, seeking a unique and deeply Brazilian sound. The son of a northeastern mother and the great-grandson of enslaved people from Minas Gerais, his personal trajectory and experiences in the Rio de Janeiro suburbs shape his lyrics, which address themes such as the loneliness of the gay Black man, grief, overcoming adversity, and social criticism.

Jeza da Pedra began his musical career around 2017, after exploring various genres, including metal. He found his voice in rap, subverting funk and creating what he calls "anarcofunk". His musical training includes studies at the Escola de Música Villa Lobos, where he deepened his knowledge of Brazilian music and music theory, in addition to having studied literature at PUC-Rio and the Sorbonne in Paris. This academic and cultural background is reflected in the complexity of his compositions. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as Rico Dalasam, Linn da Quebrada, and Baco Exú do Blues, consolidating himself as an important voice in the contemporary music scene.

The artist stands out for his authenticity and for being one of the first openly gay rappers in the Rio de Janeiro scene, using his art as a platform to discuss representation and combat sexism and conservatism in the music industry. His EPs, such as "Pagofunk Iluminati" and "Arquitetura da Despedida (Sete Estações)", explore diverse sounds and address personal and social narratives with depth. Jeza da Pedra has also collaborated with the band Mexitapi on the EP "Parangolé Bate-Bola", celebrating the universe of Rio de Janeiro's bate-bolas, and has works produced by names such as Kassin and Cairê Rego, demonstrating his versatility and his connection with different facets of Brazilian music.

Discography

• Pagofunk Iluminati (2018)
• Exuberante Boca do Mundo, Vol.1 (2024)