Waly Salomão

Origin

Jequié, BA

Also known as

Waly Dias Salomão, Waly Sailormoon

Years Active

1960–2003

Genres

MPB, tropicalismo, poesia

Instruments

voz

Biography

Waly Salomão was one of the most restless and multifaceted figures in contemporary Brazilian culture. Born in Bahia to a Syrian father and a mother from the sertão, Waly graduated in Law, but found his true vocation in poetry, music, and cultural agitation. During the 1960s, he emerged as one of the pillars of the Tropicália movement and, later, established himself as a counterculture icon in Brazil, moving fluidly between marginal literature and popular music.

His contribution to MPB is vast, having authored anthological lyrics that defined generations. His partnership with Jards Macalé in composing "Vapor Barato" is famous, a song that became an anthem in the voice of Gal Costa. Waly also maintained a deep and productive friendship with the poet Torquato Neto, and was responsible for the posthumous editing of the latter's work. Throughout his career, his poems were set to music and interpreted by major names such as Maria Bethânia, Caetano Veloso, and Adriana Calcanhotto, as well as bands like O Rappa.

In addition to his award-winning literary production, which earned him the Jabuti Prize for "Algaravias," Waly worked as a music producer on striking albums by Cássia Eller in the late 1990s. In the public sector, he served the country as National Secretary of the Book during Gilberto Gil's tenure at the Ministry of Culture. His connection with the peripheries and social movements was also striking, serving as executive coordinator of the AfroReggae group, where he left a legacy of social transformation through art.