Negro Leo

Origin

Pindaré-Mirim, MA

Years active

2012

Genres

mpb, experimental rock, avant-garde

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar

Biography

Negro Leo, born Leonardo Campelo Gonçalves in Pindaré-Mirim on May 13, 1983, is a prominent Brazilian singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist. His innovative records have garnered widespread critical acclaim from international publications such as The New York Times, Chicago Reader, and Playboy Magazine, establishing him as a unique voice in contemporary Brazilian music.

Throughout his career, he has performed at numerous notable international festivals and venues, including the NRMAL Festival in Mexico City, Café Oto in London, Le Guess Who? in Utrecht, and the Lincoln Center in New York. Alongside his extensive musical output—which includes acclaimed albums like Água Batizada and RELA—he holds a degree in Social Sciences from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and is married to filmmaker and singer Ava Rocha.

In addition to his prolific discography, Negro Leo co-directed the 2023 film "Aquele que viu o abismo" with Gregorio Gananian, winning the Troféu Carlos Reichenbach at the 27th Tiradentes Film Festival. His artistic trajectory aligns him with the creative spirit of experimental musicians and artists in the Brazilian scene, drawing parallels to figures like Ava Rocha and Gregorio Gananian.