Leci Brandão

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1970

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

vocals, percussion

Biography

Leci Brandão is one of the most prominent interpreters of samba in Brazilian musical history. Beginning her professional journey in the early 1970s, she made history as the very first woman to join the prestigious composers' wing of the Estação Primeira de Mangueira samba school. Over decades of dedication to her art, she released numerous LPs, CDs, and DVDs, earning widespread critical acclaim and cementing her legacy as a cultural icon. Throughout her musical path, she crossed paths and collaborated with influential figures in the scene, notably recording works associated with groups like Fundo de Quintal.

Beyond her remarkable contributions to samba, Leci Brandão built a parallel path as a trailblazing political figure and activist. In the late 1970s, she became one of the first prominent Brazilian artists to publicly speak about her identity as a lesbian, using her music to challenge prejudice and defend human rights. Her artistic output includes socially conscious tracks that address equality, diversity, and the struggles of marginalized communities. In 2010, she entered formal politics by affiliating with the PCdoB and winning election as a state deputy in São Paulo, where she has continuously championed racial equality, women's rights, and Brazilian culture.

Discography

• Antes que Eu Volte a Ser Nada (1975)
• Questão de Gosto (1976)
• Coisas Do Meu Pessoal (1977)
• Metades (1978)
• Essa Tal Criatura (1980)
• Leci Brandão (1985)
• Dignidade (1987)
• Um Beijo no Seu Coração (1988)
• As Coisas que Mamãe Me Ensinou (1989)
• Cidadã Brasileira (1990)
• Comprometida (1991)
• Atitude (1993)
• Um Ombro Amigo (1993)
• Beth Carvalho, Dirceu da Mangueira, Ivo Meirelles, Jurandir da Mangueira e Leci Brandão – Mangueira (1993)
• Anjos da Guarda (1995)
• Somos da Mesma Tribo (1997)
• Auto-Estima (1999)
• Eu Sou Assim (Ao Vivo) (2000)
• Leci Brandão e Convidados (2001)
• A Filha da Dona Lecy - Ao Vivo (2002)
• A Cara Do Povo (2003)
• Canções Afirmativas Ao Vivo (2006)
• Do Fundo do Nosso Quintal (Ao Vivo) (2012)
• Cidadã da Diversidade (Ao Vivo no Carioca Club Sp) (2013)
• Cidadã da Diversidade (Ao Vivo) (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Samba, Vol. 7 (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Samba, Vol. 8 (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Samba, Vol. 9 (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Samba, Vol. 10 (2013)
• Programa Ensaio (1974) com Cartola e Leci Brandão (2025)
• 50 Anos de Carreira (Ao Vivo) (2026)
• Eu e o Samba