Nilo Amaro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Moisés Cardoso Neves

Years active

1961–1984

Genres

mpb, samba, samba-canção, gospel

Instruments

voz

Biography

Nilo Amaro e Seus Cantores de Ébano was a Brazilian MPB musical group founded by Nilo Amaro (Moisés Cardoso Neves) in 1961. The group stood out for its repertoire that blended Brazilian popular music classics, folklore, and Portuguese-language versions of African-American spirituals, being considered pioneers of gospel music in Brazil. The lineup featured Nilo Amaro and a choir of black male and female voices, with a notable participation by bass singer Noriel Vilela.

The ensemble achieved great success in the 1960s, with hits like "Leva eu sodade", "Uirapuru", and "Greenfields". They released two albums through Odeon in 1961 and 1963, which were later reissued. The group's vocal quality and originality were recognized, with the album "Os Anjos Cantam" (1962) being considered one of the 100 fundamental MPB records by Luiz Américo.

Nilo Amaro passed away in Goiânia on April 18, 2004, at the age of 76. Despite their importance and originality, many Brazilian popular music researchers have not yet fully grasped the impact of Nilo Amaro e Seus Cantores de Ébano, who skillfully incorporated international influences, such as The Platters and Nat King Cole, into the authentic feeling of the Brazilian black roots.