Málu Ballona

Years Active

1968–1971

Genres

MPB, samba, soul, rock

Instruments

vocal

Biography

Málu Ballona was a Brazilian singer who was part of the Brazilian musical scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her career gained prominence as a member of the group "A Turma da Pilantragem", formed in 1968 by Nonato Buzar. This musical collective aimed to promote classics of Brazilian popular music with danceable and groovy arrangements for young audiences. Ballona participated in the group's second lineup, which released the LPs "A Turma da Pilantragem" and "A Turma da Pilantragem Internacional" in 1969.

Following the dissolution of "A Turma da Pilantragem" in 1970, Málu Ballona, along with Regininha and Dorinha Tapajós, formed the vocal trio "Umas e Outras". The group released a single album, "Poucas e Boas", that same year, produced by Nelson Motta. "Umas e Outras" also participated in soundtracks for Rede Globo telenovelas, such as "Pigmalião 70". The trio had a short run, breaking up in 1971 when Regininha and Ballona decided to pursue solo careers, while Dorinha Tapajós joined Quarteto em Cy.

Málu Ballona's participation in "A Turma da Pilantragem" and the formation of the trio "Umas e Outras" connect her to important names in Brazilian music of the era, such as Nonato Buzar, Nelson Motta, Carlos Lyra, Vinicius de Moraes, and the musicians who were part of the second lineup of "A Turma da Pilantragem", like Zé Roberto Bertrami and Alex Malheiros. Her career, although brief, contributed to the cultural and musical ebullience of the period.