Rita Benneditto

Origin

São Benedito do Rio Preto, MA

Years active

1980

Genres

mpb, samba, folk, pop

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Rita Benneditto, born Rita de Cássia Ribeiro in São Benedito do Rio Preto, Maranhão, is a prominent Brazilian singer and songwriter. Growing up in São Luís, she developed an early interest in music, singing in church choirs and performing in local bars during the 1980s. She participated in the group Vira Canto and worked as a backing vocal for artists such as Chico Maranhão and Josias Sobrinho, before eventually moving to São Paulo in 1989 to professionalize her career.

In São Paulo, she studied singing with mentors like Ná Ozzetti and Madalena Bernardes while performing in samba circles. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1997, was co-produced by Mário Manga and Zeca Baleiro, featuring the hit song "Lenha". Over the following decades, she released acclaimed albums including Pérolas aos Povos and Comigo, expanding her reach internationally with tours in the United States and Europe.

In 2006, she released the landmark project Tecnomacumba, which blended electronic beats with traditional Afro-Brazilian religious rhythms, reflecting her devotion to candomblé and umbanda. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous notable Brazilian artists, including Jussara Silveira and Teresa Cristina, cementing her status as a vital voice in contemporary Brazilian popular music. In 2012, she adopted the stage name Rita Benneditto in honor of her father and hometown.