Joelma

Origin

Almeirim, PA

Years active

1994

Genres

calypso, cumbia, zouk, lambada, merengue, carimbo, soca, arrocha, bachata, tecnobrega

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Joelma da Silva Mendes, known simply as Joelma, was born in Almeirim, Pará, on June 22, 1974. A singer, dancer, choreographer, songwriter, and businesswoman, she is widely recognized as one of the main forces in spreading the culture and music of Pará throughout Brazil, standing out for her impressive vocal and dancing ability in her energetic live performances.

In 1999, alongside her then-husband Ximbinha, she formed Banda Calypso. The group quickly achieved enormous commercial success, becoming a leader in record sales in the country during the 2000s and accumulating impressive milestones with widely circulated albums and DVDs. Following the end of their partnership and the band's disbandment in 2015, Joelma pursued a solo career starting in 2016, releasing prominent projects such as her self-titled album Joelma and the Isso É Calypso Tour.

Throughout a career spanning over two decades, the artist has sold around 20 million records and received several honors, including Latin Grammy nominations and the recognition of her work as Intangible Cultural Heritage by the state of Pará. Her influence on Brazilian popular music can be compared to that of other major names in the national scene, solidifying a lasting legacy in calypso, tecnobrega, and regional rhythms.