Luiza Maura

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1963–1987

Genres

samba, MPB, bossa nova, funk, soul, batucada, afro-cuban

Biography

Luiza Maura was a Brazilian singer and samba artist who emerged on the country's music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Her musical career spanned several genres, with a strong emphasis on samba, MPB, and bossa nova, while also exploring funk and soul influences. Maura released several notable albums, including "Recado de Samba" (1976), "Samba Pé no Chão" (1977), and "É Samba Odara" (1978), all released by prominent record labels such as Beverly and Copacabana. Her discography also includes the 1963 album "Chatterbox", which explored bossa nova with jazz influences, and the 1981 single "Sorriso Vermelho".

Throughout her career, Luiza Maura interpreted compositions by renowned samba artists such as Manacéia, Monarco, Dicró, and Noca da Portela. In addition, she also contributed as a songwriter, penning her own tracks such as "Sacudindo a Poeira" and "De Pé no Chão". Her work demonstrates a versatility that moves between traditional samba and musical experimentation, with tracks exploring rhythms like batucada and afro-cuban influences, as in "Tá Ventando no Mar" and "Terreiro dos Orixás".

The artist is remembered for her striking voice and for her contribution to Brazilian popular music, especially in the samba genre. Her career, although not as widely documented as those of other names from her era, left a legacy of recordings that are appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts of Brazilian music. Artists like Leci Brandão, who also addressed social themes in her songs, and other names in samba, share with Luiza Maura female representation and expressive strength in the Brazilian music scene.

Discography

• Bossa Nova - Luiza Maura Canta Músicas de Heitor Carillo (1963)
• Recado de Samba (1976)
• Samba Pé no Chão (1977)
• É Samba Odara (1978)
• Tentação (1987)
• Faces (1992)