Socorro Lira

Origin

Brejo do Cruz, PB

Also known as

Maria Lira do Socorro Pereira

Years Active

2001

Genres

MPB, música regional, samba, baião

Instruments

voz, violão

Biography

Socorro Lira is a prolific artist from Paraíba, recognized for her multifaceted work as a singer, songwriter, acoustic guitarist, writer, and filmmaker. Born in the rural area of Brejo do Cruz, in the backcountry of Paraíba, in 1974, her career is marked by a deep connection with northeastern culture and a strong commitment to social and cultural causes. With a degree in Social Psychology, she started playing the acoustic guitar as a self-taught musician before deepening her studies in guitar technique at university.

Since moving to São Paulo in 2004, Socorro has consolidated a robust recording career, with albums that frequently establish dialogues with Brazilian literature and history. Noteworthy projects include her musicalization of poetry by key women in national literature, such as Carolina Maria de Jesus, Maria Firmina dos Reis, and Ruth Guimarães. Her discography also highlights a tribute to the centenary of Zé do Norte and a collaboration with the renowned Oswaldinho do Acordeon on the project "O Samba do Rei do Baião".

In addition to music, Socorro Lira is an active cultural producer, and the creator of the Grão de Música Award, which aims to valorize the diversity of Brazilian music. Her literary work encompasses poetry and novels, while in cinema she dedicates herself to directing and producing short films that explore identity and memory. For her contribution to regional music and MPB, she has been awarded and nominated several times for the Brazilian Music Award.

Discography

• Cantigas (2001)
• Lua Bonita - Zé do Norte 100 Anos (2005)
• Socorro Lira, João Pinheiro – Singelo Tratado Sobre a Delicadeza (2012)
• Amazônia - Entre Águas e Desertos (2014)
• Dharma (2022)