Tim Maia

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Sebastião Rodrigues Maia, Tião Marmiteiro, Babulina, Jim Maia

Years Active

1957–1998

Genres

soul, funk, MPB, samba-rock, disco music, bossa nova, rockabilly

Instruments

voz, violão, bateria, baixo, teclado, percussão

Biography

Sebastião Rodrigues Maia, immortalized as Tim Maia, was the driving force that consolidated soul and funk within Brazilian popular music. Born and raised in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, he began his musical journey at a young age, forming the group The Sputniks alongside Roberto Carlos. After a transformative stint in the United States, where he absorbed the essence of North American black music and adopted the name 'Jim', he returned to Brazil with an unprecedented sonic baggage that united foreign groove with national swing.

His consecration came in the 1970s with classics like 'Azul da Cor do Mar' and 'Primavera', establishing him as one of the country's most powerful and versatile voices. One of the most singular episodes of his trajectory was his conversion to the Rational Culture doctrine, which resulted in the albums 'Tim Maia Racional', volumes 1 and 2. Although he later renounced the sect, the recordings from this period are considered masterpieces of Brazilian funk for their technical and vocal precision, influencing generations of artists like his nephew Ed Motta.

Tim Maia was also a pioneer of phonographic independence in Brazil by founding the Seroma and Vitória Régia labels, seeking autonomy from major record companies. Affectionately known as the 'Síndico do Brasil' (Manager of Brazil), a nickname given by Jorge Ben Jor, Tim moved with mastery between confessional romanticism and the danceable groove of tracks like 'Sossego' and 'Não Quero Dinheiro'. His legacy remains alive as one of the pillars of Brazilian black music, marked by a rebellious personality and unmatched vocal talent.

Discography

• Tim Maia (1970)
• Tim Maia (1971)
• Tim Maia (1972)
• Tim Maia (1973)
• Racional Vol. 1 (1974)
• Racional Vol. 2 (1975)
• Tim Maia (1976)
• Tim Maia (1977)
• Disco Club (1978)
• Tim Maia (1978)
• Acenda O Farol (1978)
• Sossego (1978)
• Tim Maia, Hyldon, Cassiano, Luiz Melodia – Programa Especial Vol.1 (1979)
• Reencontro (1979)
• Tim Maia (1980)
• Nuvens (1982)
• O Descobridor dos Sete Mares (1983)
• Sufocante (1984)
• Bons Momentos (1984)
• Tim Maia (1985)
• Bem-Vinda (1985)
• Tim Maia (1986)
• Pudera (1986)
• Telefone (1986)
• Uma Estrela a Mais (1986)
• Somos América (1987)
• Onde Esta Você (1987)
• No Ar Tim Maia Gravação de Programa de Rádio (1987)
• Carinhos (1988)
• Amigo Verdadeiro (1988)
• Rodésia (1989)
• Dance Bem (1990)
• Interpreta Clássicos da Bossa Nova (1991)
• Ao Vivo (1992)
• Voltou Clarear (1994)
• Nova Era Glacial (1995)
• Sorriso de Criança (1997)
• What A Wonderful World, Oldies But Goodies (1997)
• Tim Maia & os Cariocas – Amigo do Rei (1997)
• Só Você – Para Ouvir e Dançar (1997)
• Pro Meu Grande Amor (1997)
• Ao Vivo II (1998)
• Soul Tim (1999)
• Tim Maia E Banda Vitória Régia – Dance com o Hino do Seu Clube - Hino Flamengo (2000)
• Tim Maia E Banda Vitória Régia – Dance com o Hino do Seu Clube - Hino Vasco (2001)
• Tim Maia E Banda Vitória Régia – Dance com o Hino do Seu Clube - Hino Fluminese (2001)
• Forró do Brasil (2003)
• In Concert (2007)
• Racional Vol. 3 (2012)
• Do Leme ao Pontal (2020)
• Yo Te Amo (2021)
• Jota Quest & Tim Maia – Dance Enquanto É Tempo (2026)
• Rational Culture (You Don't Know What I Know)