Leila Maria

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1997–Present

Genres

brazilian jazz, bossa nova, MPB, jazz, samba, pop

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Leila Maria is a Brazilian singer celebrated for her versatile vocal abilities, seamlessly blending Brazilian classics, jazz standards, bossa nova, samba, and pop music. Her career gained significant traction after her participation in the Globo TV show "The Voice Plus Brazil," earning her the moniker "Urban Diva of Rio." Maria's musical journey began in the early 1980s, performing in jazz clubs across Brazil after being discovered by a producer. She quickly established a reputation as a skilled improviser, reinterpreting popular songs with her unique style. Her international experience includes tours in Japan and along the USA's East Coast, further broadening her artistic reach.

Her recording career commenced in 1997 with the album "Von Kopf Bis Fuss." This was followed by "Off Key" in 2004, featuring a bossa nova repertoire sung in English, and "Canções de Amor Entre Iguais" in 2007, which explored themes of same-sex love. In 2015, she released an award-winning album dedicated to Billie Holiday, "Holiday in Rio: Leila Maria canta Billie," which was rearranged with a Rio-style flair. Her 2022 album, "Ubuntu," is a tribute to the work of Djavan and was produced by Guilherme Kastrup, receiving critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Leila Maria has also collaborated with notable artists such as Ed Motta and was featured in the 2010 film "Como Esquecer." She has performed alongside a diverse range of Brazilian musicians, including Paulo Moura, Luiz Melodia, and Alaíde Costa, further solidifying her position within the Brazilian music scene. Her ongoing work includes collaborations and the preparation of new albums, demonstrating her continued dedication to her craft.

Discography

• Da Cabeça aos Pés (Von Kopf Bis Fuss) (1997)
• Off Key (2006)
• Canções do Amor de Iguais (2007)
• Leila Maria Canta Billie Holiday In Rio (2015)
• Tempo (2018)
• Ubuntu (2022)