Tavinho Paes

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1970s–2024

Genres

mpb, pop, rock

Biography

Tavinho Paes, born Luiz Octávio Paes de Oliveira, was a Brazilian poet, lyricist, journalist, visual artist, and writer, born in Rio de Janeiro on January 26, 1955. He passed away on October 31, 2024, at the age of 69, due to complications from surgeries following a heart attack.

Paes began his career in the 1970s, studying journalism at PUC-Rio and publishing his first poetry book, "Tulipa Negra." He was also part of the performance poetry group "Poema Terror" alongside artists like Torquato Mendonça.

His career as a lyricist took off in the 1980s, a period often referred to as the "golden age" of his musical production. He penned lyrics for numerous hit songs, including "Rádio Blá" (with Arnaldo Brandão and Lobão), "Totalmente Demais" (with Arnaldo Brandão), and "Sexy Iemanjá" (with Pepeu Gomes). His work was recorded by a wide array of prominent Brazilian artists such as Gal Costa, Marina Lima, Maria Bethânia, Leo Jaime, Xuxa, Tânia Alves, Caetano Veloso, Lobão, Marisa Monte, Gilberto Gil, Ney Matogrosso, and Rita Lee.

Beyond his musical contributions, Paes was also an editor for the influential newspaper "O Pasquim" in the 1980s. He was a co-founder of Indie Records and the "CEP 20.000" (Centro de Experimentação Poética) project. Paes also directed music videos, created soundtracks for films, and authored several books of poetry and prose.

His lyrics were known for their colloquial style, often exploring themes of love, desire, and sexuality without guilt, capturing the spirit and "anything goes" attitude of the 1980s.