Martinha

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

1966

Genres

jovem guarda, MPB, romantic pop, sertanejo

Instruments

vocals, piano

Biography

Martha Vieira Figueiredo Cunha, known professionally as Martinha, is a celebrated Brazilian singer and songwriter born in Belo Horizonte. She began her musical journey at an early age, learning to play the piano by age five and writing her own songs. Her mother, Dona Ruth, was a well-known journalist who wrote a prominent gossip column during the golden age of Brazilian radio.

In 1966, Martinha emerged as a prominent figure in the Jovem Guarda movement, earning the affectionate nickname "Queijinho de Minas" from Roberto Carlos. She achieved massive national and international success, notably with her 1968 smash hit "Eu daria a minha vida", which was later recorded by Roberto Carlos and thousands of other artists. As the Jovem Guarda era faded, she successfully transitioned into romantic pop and built a flourishing international career across Latin America, Europe, and the United States, even performing on Broadway.

Throughout her prolific career, Martinha also established herself as a highly successful songwriter, penning hits not only for her peers in the Jovem Guarda movement like Erasmo Carlos, but also for renowned Brazilian sertanejo duets such as Chitãozinho & Xororó and Leandro & Leonardo. Her compositions were recorded by major domestic and international interpreters, cementing her legacy as one of Brazil's most versatile and enduring musical talents.

Discography

• Eu Te Amo Mesmo Assim (1967)
• Martinha (1968)
• Presentando A Martinha (1970)
• Otra Vez (1971)
• Como Antigamente (1974)
• Como Antiguamente (1974)
• Amigos Y Amantes (1977)
• Martinha (1978) (1978)
• Como É que Vai Ficar? (1981)
• Martinha (1986)
• Aos Amigos, aos Amantes; à Você (1987)
• Martinha (1988)
• Martinha (1989) (1988)
• En Castellano (1989)
• Minha História (2019)
• 1969 (2022)