Márcia Short

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years Active

1989

Genres

axé music, samba-reggae, MPB, forró

Instruments

voz

Biography

Márcia Short is one of the most powerful and representative voices of axé music and Bahian samba-reggae. Born and raised in Engenho Velho de Brotas, in Salvador, she grew up under the direct influence of blocs and afoxés like Badauê and Ilê Aiyê. Her professional career gained national prominence in 1989, when she took over the vocals of Banda Mel, recording immortal hits like "Crença e Fé" and "Mulher Primazia", which helped consolidate the genre on the Brazilian music scene.

After leaving Banda Mel in 1993, Márcia founded the group Bandabah, where she continued to explore Bahia's rhythmic fusion with songs like "Nação Rastafári". In 1997, she began her solo career with a self-titled album that featured collaborations with Brazilian music giants, interpreting compositions by Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Jota Veloso. Throughout her journey, Márcia has been an active voice against racism in the cultural industry, fighting for space and recognition for Black artists.

Her musical versatility has allowed her to move through other genres besides Carnival, such as forró and MPB. In 2004, she released the album "Iluminada", produced by Elba Ramalho, reaffirming her vocal sophistication. In 2024, Short celebrated Banda Mel's legacy by returning to the stages of Salvador Carnival to commemorate the group's 40th anniversary, reinforcing her role as one of the precursors and guardians of the Bahian rhythm.

Discography

• Márcia, Robson e Bândabah (1993)
• Márcia Short (1999)
• Iluminada (2004)
• Márcia Short em Festa no Interior (2017)