Solange Borges

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Also known as

Solange Maria de Fátima Fragoso Borges

Years active

1970s

Genres

mpb, rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, folk, regional brazilian music

Instruments

vocals, guitar, piano

Biography

Solange Borges is a Brazilian singer, composer, and instrumentalist, born on May 1, 1954, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. She hails from the renowned "Borges" family of musicians, which includes her brothers Marilton, Márcio, and Lô Borges, all integral to the "Clube da Esquina" movement. Solange began her musical journey by learning guitar and piano, immersing herself in the poetic world crafted by her siblings. Her upbringing was steeped in music, with their home in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Belo Horizonte serving as a hub for artistic exchange and the genesis of the "Clube da Esquina" sound.

Borges is recognized as the only female member of the "Clube da Esquina" collective. Her contributions include vocals on Lô Borges' 1979 album "A Via-Láctea" and participation in the 1980 album "Os Borges." In 1984, she released her debut solo LP, "Bom Dia Universo," an album that encapsulates the "Clube da Esquina" aesthetic, blending influences of progressive rock, psychedelia, and Brazilian regional music. The album features collaborations with other "Clube da Esquina" associated musicians and is often described as a female counterpart to the movement's characteristic sound.

"Bom Dia Universo" itself is celebrated for its sunny and optimistic themes, with songs like "Santa Teresa" evoking nostalgic memories of her family's gatherings. Tracks such as "Águas de Rios," "Puim-í," and "Beija-Flor" are highlighted for their regional and psychedelic qualities, rich in nature-inspired lyrics and harmonies reminiscent of the "Clube da Esquina" albums. Although her presence in the movement might have been less prominent than some of her male counterparts, Solange Borges' work significantly enriched the legacy of Brazilian popular music.