Zé Gonzaga

Origin

Exu, PE

Years active

1949–1975

Genres

forró, samba, choro, baião, xote, marcha, polca, frevo, tango, valsas

Instruments

accordion, sanfona

Biography

José Januário Gonzaga do Nascimento, known artistically as Zé Gonzaga, was a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and accordionist, born in Exu, Pernambuco, on January 15, 1921. Brother of the legendary Luiz Gonzaga, Zé Gonzaga also showed a great talent for music from an early age, learning to play the accordion with his father, Januário. His musical career began in amateur talent shows, and in 1948, at the invitation of his brother, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he was hired by Rádio Guanabara.

Zé Gonzaga recorded his first record in 1949, with the Star label, featuring the choros "Teimoso" and "Vira o outro lado". Throughout his career, he released several albums, exploring rhythms such as forró, samba, choro, and waltz. He also ventured into film, participating in the movie "Rico Ri a Toa" in 1957. His music led him to tour various regions of Brazil, as well as performances in Argentina and France.

Considered one of the country's great accordion musicians, Zé Gonzaga was a multifaceted artist, acting as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. His work, although often overshadowed by the fame of his brother, Luiz Gonzaga, is recognized for its quality and contribution to northeastern and Brazilian music. Zé Gonzaga passed away in Rio de Janeiro on April 12, 2002, at the age of 81, leaving an important musical legacy.