Roberta Nistra

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba, choro, MPB

Instruments

cavaquinho, vocals

Biography

Roberta Nistra is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and cavaquinho player born in the Vila Isabel neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian musical traditions, she is also a musical researcher who has dedicated her studies to genres such as samba, choro, and various African rhythms. Her early career as an instrumentalist saw her accompanying esteemed sambistas, including Moreira da Silva, Monarco, Wilson Moreira, and Wilson das Neves.

Beginning in 1995, she expanded her artistic path by performing as a vocalist in the bars and nightclubs of Lapa, emerging alongside artists like Teresa Cristina as part of a vibrant new generation of samba revivalists. In 2011, she released her self-titled debut album through the Biscoito Fino label. The 12-track record showcased her versatility as both a performer and a songwriter, blending traditional samba with candomblé chants, arrasta-pé, and ijexá, featuring contributions from composers such as Luís Barcelos and Luís Filipe de Lima.

Throughout her career, Nistra has continued to immerse herself in the rich cultural tapestry of Brazilian popular music. Her work reflects a profound dedication to preserving and interpreting sacred and secular Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Future projects point toward creative collaborations with fellow composer Moacyr Luz, further cementing her standing within Rio de Janeiro's contemporary traditional music scene.