Jovelina Pérola Negra

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Jovelina Farias Belfort, Jovelina Farias Delford, Jovelina Pe Negreiro

Years Active

1980s–1990s

Genres

samba, partido alto, pagode

Instruments

voice

Biography

Jovelina Pérola Negra, born Jovelina Farias Belfort, was a celebrated Brazilian samba singer and songwriter, renowned for her powerful and distinctive deep voice. Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Belford Roxo, she worked as a domestic maid until her forties, a period during which she was also an active member of the samba school Império Serrano. Her stage name, meaning "Black Pearl," was given to her by a friend, recognizing her radiant presence and elegant vocal delivery. Jovelina's career took off in the 1980s, a period marked by the rise of the "new pagode" movement, and she became known for her strong interpretations of the partido alto samba style, often considered an heir to the legendary Clementina de Jesus.

Despite a career that spanned decades in community samba gatherings (pagodes) and Carnaval parades, Jovelina's path to mainstream success was a long one. She debuted to wider fame at the Vegas Sport Clube and gained significant recognition after her participation in the 1985 album "Raça Brasileira." This album, initially rejected by a record label, eventually became a hit, launching the careers of several artists, including Zeca Pagodinho, with whom she later recorded the popular song "Bagaço da Laranja." Her own solo career flourished thereafter, with five individual albums and several compilations, earning her a platinum certificate and national acclaim.

Jovelina Pérola Negra's music resonated deeply within Brazilian culture, and her potent voice became synonymous with authentic samba. Although she achieved national success and even performed internationally in places like Angola, France, and Japan, she often expressed a desire to have achieved greater financial security to provide more for her children. Her life was cut short by a heart attack on November 2, 1998, at the age of 54. Posthumously, she has been honored with the Order of Cultural Merit by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture and a cultural center in Rio de Janeiro was named in her honor, ensuring her legacy as a "dama do partido alto" (lady of partido alto) endures.

Discography

• Jovelina Pérola Negra (1986)
• Luz Do Repente (1987)
• Sorriso Aberto (1988)
• Amigos Chegados (1990)
• Sangue Bom (1991)
• Vou na Fé (1993)
• Samba Guerreiro (1996)