Valesca Popozuda

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

2000

Genres

funk carioca, pop, hip hop

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Valesca Popozuda, stage name of Valesca dos Santos, is a renowned Brazilian singer, dancer, and businesswoman born in Rio de Janeiro. She rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the funk carioca group Gaiola das Popozudas, which she founded in the year 2000. Alongside contemporaries like Tati Quebra Barraco, she helped pave the way for women in the male-dominated carioca funk scene, releasing hits and touring internationally.

In 2012, Valesca embarked on a successful solo career, capturing national and international attention with blockbuster releases such as the smash hit single "Beijinho no Ombro". Throughout her career, she has collaborated with notable artists like Mr. Catra and Claudia Leitte, cementing her status as a prominent figure in Brazilian pop culture. Beyond music, she has been a prominent carnival figure, a television personality in reality shows, and a vocal advocate for the LGBT community.