João Mossoró

Origin

Mossoró, RN

Also known as

João Batista Lopes

Years Active

1958–present

Genres

forró, Northeastern music, traditional forró

Instruments

voice, zabumba player

Biography

João Mossoró, stage name of João Batista Lopes, is a Brazilian singer and songwriter born in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, in 1930. His musical career began in 1958, when he founded Trio Mossoró alongside his siblings Oséas Lopes (Carlos André) and Hermelinda Batista (Ana Paula). The trio, which stood out in the forró scene, recorded about 10 LPs throughout their trajectory, including albums like "Rua do namoro" (1962), "Trinta dias de forró" and "Forró do mexe mexe". They received the "Cidade do Rio de Janeiro" award in 1966, considered an "Oscar" of MPB at the time, in a ceremony held at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro. Trio Mossoró disbanded in 1972, and João Mossoró continued his solo career, releasing the single "De dois em dois" in 1981.

Throughout his career, João Mossoró showed great influence from Luiz Gonzaga, being known for his "Gonzaguiana" voice and for his fidelity to the roots of Northeastern music. He also worked as a zabumba player and paid tribute to the "King of Baião" in two albums, "O Mito e a Arte de Luiz Gonzaga (Volume 1 e 2)". On his CD "Conexão Nordeste – O Arauto das Raízes Nordestinas", he interpreted songs by renowned composers like Belchior, Gonzaguinha and Dominguinhos, reaffirming his commitment to quality music inspired by the interior of the Northeast.

João Mossoró also explored other musical genres, as evidenced in the CD "Como é Linda a Minha Aldeia", composed entirely of Portuguese songs, but interpreted with Lusitanian essence and originality. His most recent work, "Falar Com Deus é Bom", fuses religious chants with Northeastern rhythms, showing the versatility and surprise of his privileged voice. His trajectory is marked by authenticity and the celebration of Northeastern culture, being recognized as an important name in Brazilian popular music.

Discography

• O Mito e a Arte de Luiz Gonzaga (2004)
• O Mito e a Arte de Luiz Gonzaga Vol. 2 (2006)
• O Tempo (2016)
• Recordações (2021)
• Como É Linda a Minha Aldeia!