Mariella Santiago

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years active

1990s–Present

Genres

mpb, brazilian soul, jazz, blues, samba de roda, chula, afro-brazilian music

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Mariella Santiago is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and poet whose work is deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian musical traditions. Born in Salvador, Bahia, she developed a passion for music and literature from a young age, influenced by her father, singer-songwriter Messias Santiago. Her artistic journey began in the 1990s, performing blues, jazz standards, and MPB classics, and she also gained recognition for her interpretation of Janis Joplin's music in the musical "Projeto J."

Santiago's discography includes several solo albums and EPs, such as "Mariella" (2002), "Ella" (2015), and the DVD "Ella é do Brasil" (2018). Her music is characterized by its soulful voice, original compositions, and the prominent use of percussion, often blending Bahian rhythms with a jazzy feel. She has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Hermeto Pascoal, Carlinhos Brown, Chico César, and Sting, showcasing her versatility and broad musical vocabulary.

Beyond her solo career, Mariella Santiago has also explored other artistic avenues, including contemporary dance and performance art. She has participated in international projects, such as the opera "Beleza Negra" in Germany and the musical "Moi et mon cheveau" in France. Her academic pursuits include a Master's degree in Culture and Society from the Federal University of Bahia, where she researches the participation of Black and Afro-Indigenous women in Brazilian popular music.