Rui Biriva

Origin

Horizontina, RS

Also known as

Rui da Silva Leonhardt

Years Active

1974–2011

Genres

musica regional gaucha, nativismo

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar

Biography

Rui Biriva, born Rui da Silva Leonhardt in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, was a prominent Brazilian singer and songwriter deeply rooted in the regional music of southern Brazil. He emerged in the music scene after adopting his stage name following his victory at the 1982 Seara da Canção Gaúcha festival with the song "Birivas". Throughout his career, he became a celebrated figure in nativist music festivals and released numerous albums that captured the cultural spirit of the gaucho lifestyle.

His prolific career spanned fourteen albums, featuring popular hits such as "Tchê Loco", "Quebrando Tudo", and "Castelhana", the latter co-written with fellow gaucho artist Elton Saldanha. In addition to his extensive discography and successful festival run, he expanded his artistic footprint into television by hosting the program "Paralelo Sul" on TVE-RS starting in 2003. His contributions cemented his legacy as an enduring voice of Rio Grande do Sul's traditional and contemporary folk movements.

Rui Biriva passed away in Porto Alegre in April 2011 due to complications from large intestine cancer, leaving behind a rich musical heritage. He remains remembered alongside other regional music icons of the region, sharing stylistic kinship with artists like Teixeirinha and Gaucho da Fronteira. His musical lineage is partly carried on by his nephew, Sid Biriva, ensuring that the family's artistic connection to Horizontina endures.

Discography

• Cantar (1986)
• Pé na Estrada (1988)
• Rui Biriva (1990)
• Festança Tem Café no Bule (1992)
• Vamo Pegá (1993)
• Quebrando Tudo (1997)
• É Bom Barbaridade (2005)
• Pedindo Cancha (2009)
• AO VIVO (2017)
• Na Estrada do Sul