Maria Alcina

Origin

Cataguases, MG

Also known as

Maria Alcina Leite

Years active

1970

Genres

mpb, samba, electronic

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Maria Alcina is a renowned Brazilian singer recognized for her deep, powerful voice and exuberant, contagious stage presence. Born in Cataguases, Minas Gerais, she began her artistic journey performing in circuses before moving to Rio de Janeiro in her youth. Her eccentric fashion style and vibrant performances have often drawn comparisons to the iconic Carmen Miranda.

She achieved national stardom in 1972 after delivering an unforgettable, high-energy rendition of Jorge Ben Jor's "Fio Maravilha" at the final edition of the Festival Internacional da Canção. Throughout her extensive career, she has embraced various musical styles ranging from traditional samba and MPB to electronic beats, collaborating with notable artists such as Ney Matogrosso, Tony Tornado, and MPB4. Despite facing political censorship during the Brazilian military dictatorship and professional lulls in the 1980s, she maintained a resilient career crowned by critical acclaim and multiple awards, including honors at the Prêmio da Música Brasileira.