Kaê Guajajara

Origin

Mirinzal, MA

Years Active

2019

Genres

hip hop, MPB, indigenous music

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Kaê Guajajara is an Indigenous Brazilian singer, songwriter, actress, author, and activist born in Mirinzal, Maranhão. Growing up in the Complexo da Maré favela in Rio de Janeiro after migrating from her homeland as a child, she was exposed to funk and peripheral Brazilian music. Initially starting out in a rap group called Crônicos, she eventually pursued a solo career focused on addressing the struggles and systemic violence faced by urban Indigenous women.

Her musical style uniquely fuses hip hop with traditional Indigenous instruments and her native Ze'egete language. Her breakthrough projects include the EPs Hapohu, Uzaw, and Wiramiri, followed by her acclaimed 2021 studio album Kwarahy Tazyr, which was celebrated as the first Indigenous visual album in Brazilian music history. Beyond her solo work, she founded the Azuruhu music label to foster new Indigenous artistic talent.

As a prominent cultural figure, Kaê has collaborated with numerous notable artists such as MC Soffia, Linn da Quebrada, Liniker, and Jonathan Ferr. Her impactful artistry and activism have earned her several accolades, including the Prêmio Arcanjo de Cultura, and recognition as a powerful voice for Indigenous rights and representation in Brazil.

Discography

• Kwarahy Tazyr (2021)
• Zahytata (2023)
• Forest Club (2024)